[The risk factors in primary bacteremias: a case-control study]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Epidemiology
• Clinical Microbiology

Context:

• Nosocomial bacteremias pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and institutional costs.
• The incidence of these infections has risen, linked to a growing number of immunosuppressed patients undergoing invasive procedures.
• Intensive Care Units (ICUs) show a higher infection rate, highlighting the vulnerability of critically ill patients.

Purpose:

• To identify the primary risk factors associated with nosocomial bacteremias in a hospital setting.
• To conduct a comparative case and control study to analyze these risk factors.
• To provide data-driven insights for infection control strategies.

Summary:

• Over 42 months, 83 episodes of primary nosocomial bacteremias were documented, with an incidence of 8 per 1000 discharged patients.
• Significant risk factors identified through multiple regression analysis include hospital stays exceeding two weeks and the use of parenteral feeding.
• Predominant causative agents included *S. epidermidis*, enterobacteriaceae, *S. aureus*, and enterococci.

Impact:

• Findings underscore the critical need for enhanced infection control measures, particularly concerning parenteral feeding solutions.
• Reinforced protocols are essential for patients with prolonged hospital stays, especially those in ICUs, to mitigate bacteremia risks.
• This research contributes to reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving patient outcomes.