Bloodstream Infections Caused by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria: Clinical and Microbiological Features and Mortality

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Bloodstream infections (BSI) present a significant global health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality.
• The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria complicates treatment and worsens patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between patient-specific risk factors (underlying conditions, medical history, procedures) and the occurrence of MDR bacterial infections.
• To identify critical risk factors associated with mortality in patients with BSI.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 222 outpatients and inpatients diagnosed with bacteremia over six months was analyzed.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 232 bacterial isolates.
• Demographic and clinical data were correlated with the presence of MDR infections and patient mortality.

Main Results:

• Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were the most common isolates.
• High antimicrobial resistance rates were observed in Acinetobacter baumannii (82.3%), E. coli (60.3%), and K. pneumoniae (50%).
• Factors such as sepsis diagnosis, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, urinary catheterization, and prior surgery were significant risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified specific risk factors contributing to MDR BSI and highlighted key determinants of mortality in these patients.
• Findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and risk factor management to reduce BSI-related morbidity and mortality.