All-Cause and Infection-Related Mortality in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) presents a significant public health challenge with evolving epidemiology.
• High mortality rates are associated with SAB, yet infection-related mortality requires further quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the clinical features of SAB.
• To assess 90-day all-cause and infection-related mortality.
• To identify risk factors for mortality in SAB patients.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective cohort study involving consecutive SAB patients.
• Clinical data collection and adjudication of infection-related mortality by a committee.
• Statistical analysis to determine mortality rates and associated risk factors.

Main Results:

• 490 patients with SAB were analyzed, categorized by acquisition source (community, healthcare, hospital).
• Common SAB-related diagnoses included endocarditis, peripheral intravenous catheter infection, and septic arthritis.
• 90-day all-cause mortality was 33%, with 60% deemed infection-related, predominantly within the first 30 days. Significant mortality risk factors identified were age, Charlson comorbidity index, septic shock, endocarditis, and persistent SAB.

Conclusions:

• Mortality from Staphylococcus aureus infections remains high.
• The majority of infection-related deaths occur within the initial 30 days post-SAB.
• Findings can inform the selection of endpoints in future clinical trials for SAB.