Bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine: results of a multicenter...

Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However data of BSI from Ukraine are scarce. The aim: To obtain the first national estimates of the current incidence of BSI and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens, and associated mortality in Ukraine.

Materials and methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted at the 14 hospitals of Ukraine between January 2013 to December 2015. Definitions of BSIs were adapted from the CDC. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultures were determined, using automated microbiology analyzer. Some antimicrobial susceptibility test used Kirby - Bauer antibiotic testing.

Results: Among 20,544 patients, 3816 (18.6%) BSIs were observed. The rate of health care associated BSI was 92.4%. Death was reported in 68.4% BSI cases. The predominant pathogens were: Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.1%), Escherichia coli (17.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.9%), and Acinetobacter spp.(8.5%). The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 24.8% and of methicillin-resistance in S. aureus (MRSA) 38.2%. Vancomycin resistance was observwd in 9.2% of isolated enterococci (VRE). Carbapenem resistance was identified in 33.1% of P.aeruginosa isolates and 63.2% of A. baumannii isolates. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was observed in 14.2% K. pneumoniae and E.coli 55% isolates.

Conclusions: Healthcare-associated BSIs and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens together with their associated impact on mortality, presents a significant burden to the Ukraine hospital system. Surveillance of BSIs may help to delineate the requirements for infection prevention and control.