Factors associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare-associated infections: a pediatric intensive care

Barbara Barduchi Oliveira da Silva1, Moacyr Silva Júnior1, Fernando Gatti de Menezes1

  • 1Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Insights

Immunocompromised children in pediatric intensive care units face a significantly higher risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. These infections are often linked to Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
  • Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) are a growing concern in pediatric healthcare settings.
  • Identifying risk factors for MDRB infections in vulnerable pediatric populations is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of factors associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) in a PICU.
  • To investigate the specific risk factors contributing to MDRB infections in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a high-complexity, tertiary care general hospital's PICU in São Paulo, Brazil.
  • The study included pediatric patients aged 1 month to 19 years diagnosed with HAIs between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018.
  • Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to identify significant associations between patient characteristics and MDRB infections.

Main Results:

  • Immunocompromised status was a significant risk factor for MDRB infections, with an estimated nine-fold higher likelihood (OR 8.97; 95% CI 2.69-29.94) compared to non-immunosuppressed patients.
  • Logistic regression confirmed that immunosuppressed patients had an 8.5-fold higher chance of MDRB infection (OR 8.48; 95% CI 2.54-28.35; p=0.001).
  • The case group showed a higher proportion of Gram-positive bacteria (p=0.007), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (p<0.001), and Gram-negative bacteria (p=0.041).

Conclusions:

  • Immunocompromised status is a key factor associated with healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria in the PICU.
  • The study highlights the increased prevalence of Gram-positive microorganisms and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in infected patients.
  • These findings underscore the need for targeted infection control measures for immunocompromised pediatric patients in intensive care settings.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.4K
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
2.9K
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
4.5K
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
2.3K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
357
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
273