Clinical characteristics and risk factors of polymicrobial Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections

Cheng Zheng1,2, Shufang Zhang3, Qingqing Chen4

  • 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.

Abstract

Insights

Polymicrobial Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SA-BSI) are associated with specific risk factors including burn injury and mechanical ventilation. These infections lead to longer hospital stays and increased mortality compared to monomicrobial SA-BSI.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SA-BSI) are common.
  • Polymicrobial SA-BSI are infrequently reported, necessitating further investigation.
  • Understanding polymicrobial SA-BSI is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of polymicrobial SA-BSI.
  • To identify risk factors associated with polymicrobial SA-BSI.
  • To compare outcomes of polymicrobial SA-BSI with monomicrobial SA-BSI.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from 2013-2018.
  • Inclusion of all patients diagnosed with SA-BSI.
  • Data collection through electronic medical records review.

Main Results:

  • Out of 349 SA-BSI cases, 15.5% were polymicrobial.
  • Independent risk factors for polymicrobial SA-BSI included burn injury, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, prolonged prior hospital stay, and pneumonia.
  • Polymicrobial SA-BSI patients experienced significantly longer ICU and hospital stays and higher 28-day mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Burn injury, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, prior hospital stay length, and pneumonia are key risk factors for polymicrobial SA-BSI.
  • Polymicrobial SA-BSI is associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to monomicrobial SA-BSI.
  • These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and managing polymicrobial SA-BSI.

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