Bloodstream Infection and Associated Factors at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest...

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are the presence of circulating microorganisms in the bloodstream. Globally, the distribution and factors that influence BSIs are changing, which is an alarming sign to investigate. In addition, prospective data are limited in Ethiopia. For these reasons, it is necessary to assess the BSI and associated factors.

This study was aimed at assessing BSI and associated factors at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH), 2023.

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to December 2023 among 252 patients. The data was collected using consecutive sampling techniques, coded, and analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used for variables with a p value of < 0.2 on bivariable binary logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to report the strength of the association, and p value < 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. The Hosmer and Lemeshow tests were used to confirm the goodness of fit of the model (p value, 0.734).

A total of 228 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 41 (±18) years. Overall, bacterial growth was detected on 41 (18%) of blood cultures. Of these, 15 (6.6%, 95% CI: 3.5-9.6) were true BSI, while the remaining 26 (11.4%) were contaminants. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly detected bacterium. Blood volume, stroke, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) are significantly associated with BSI, whereas poor venipuncture antiseptic techniques and being febrile are significantly associated with contaminants.

Prevalence of true BSI is low, and collected blood volume, stroke, and high NLCR were associated with BSIs at UOGCSH. Training on blood sample collection, quality checks, and testing anaerobic bacteria and fungi is recommended.