[Septicemia causative organisms 1983-1985. The results of a multicenter study]
Abstract:
8,999 septicaemia pathogens were isolated from 8,500 patients during a two-year period by eleven institutes in West Germany, two institutes in West Berlin und two institutes in Austria. 54% of the patients were male. Septicaemias occurred very often in neonates, rarely in the second decade of life, and then with rising incidence up to a maximum in the seventh decade. Gram-negative rods were isolated in 49% of the samples, gram-positive cocci in 45%, anaerobic bacteria in 2.5% and blastomycetes in 1.9%. The spectrum of pathogens in children was markedly different from that in adults. Slight differences depended on the type of hospital and the specialised institution or the ward submitting the samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined to assess the susceptibility of the bacteria to antibiotics.
Insights
This study analyzed 8,999 bloodstream infection (BSI) pathogens from 8,500 patients. Gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci were the most common BSI pathogens, with distinct patterns in children versus adults.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Multi-center study conducted across West Germany, West Berlin, and Austria over two years.
- Involved analysis of 8,999 bloodstream infection (BSI) pathogens from 8,500 patients.
- Demographic data including patient sex and age distribution were collected.
Purpose:
- To characterize the spectrum of pathogens causing BSIs.
- To investigate age-related incidence patterns of BSIs.
- To compare pathogen profiles between pediatric and adult populations.
- To assess antibiotic susceptibility through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination.
Summary:
- Gram-negative rods (49%) and gram-positive cocci (45%) were the predominant BSI pathogens.
- BSIs showed a bimodal age distribution, with high incidence in neonates and a peak in the seventh decade of life.
- Significant differences in pathogen spectrum were observed between children and adults.
- Minor variations in pathogen distribution were noted based on hospital type and ward.
Impact:
- Provides crucial epidemiological data on BSIs in Central Europe.
- Highlights the need for age-specific treatment strategies for BSIs.
- Informs antibiotic stewardship and empirical treatment guidelines.
- Contributes to understanding evolving patterns of bacterial resistance.
