Retrospective evaluation of the clinical characteristics associated with Corynebacterium species bacteremia

ABSTRACT Objectives: Corynebacterium spp. are becoming recognized as pathogens that potentially cause various infections. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with Corynebacterium spp. bacteremia. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult patients who had positive blood cultures for Corynebacterium spp. in a single university hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Patients were divided into a bacteremia group and a contamination group based on microbiological test results and clinical characteristics. Patients' characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated species, antimicrobials administered, and patient outcomes were evaluated. Results: Corynebacterium spp. were isolated from blood samples of 63 patients; Corynebacterium striatum was the predominant isolate. Twenty-eight patients were determined to have bacteremia. Younger age (p = 0.023), shorter time to positivity (p = 0.006), longer hospital stay (p = 0.009), and presence of an indwelling vascular catheter (p = 0.002) were observed more often in the bacteremia group compared to the contamination group. The source of infection in most patients with bacteremia was an intravenous catheter. All tested strains were susceptible to vancomycin. Four of the 27 patients with bacteremia died, despite administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: We found that younger age, shorter time to positivity, and presence of an indwelling catheter were related to bacteremia caused by Corynebacterium spp. Appropriate antimicrobials should be administered once Corynebacterium spp. are isolated from the blood and bacteremia is suspected.

Epidemiología y pronóstico de pacientes con infección del torrente sanguíneo en 10 hospitales de Colombia / Epidemiology and prognosis of patients with bloodstream infection in 10 hospitals in Colombia

Background: Knowing the local epidemiology and etiology of bloodstream infections allows tailoring the empirical initial antimicrobial therapy to obtain a better outcome for these episodes. Aim: To describe the epidemiological and microbiological aspects as well as the factors associated with mortality in patients with bloodstream infection in Colombian hospitals. Methods: Sub-analysis of a prospective cohort study of 375 consecutive patients with bloodstream infection in 10 hospitals in Colombia, admitted between September first 2007 and Febrnary 29, 2008. Results: The most frequently isolated bacteria were Gram-negative bacilli in 54% of patients, followed by Gram-positive cocci in 38.4%. The source of infection was known in 67%, unknown in 24% and associated with intravascular catheter in 9%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (46%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (16%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (7.8%). Staphylococcus aureus was methicillin sensitive in 82% of patients (46/56). Overall 28-day mortality was 25% and their independent associated factors were age, SOFA score and APACHE II score. Conclusions: In our study the most frequently isolated bacteria in bloodstream infections were Gram-negative bacilli, contrasting those reported in developed countries. The overall mortality rate was high and the factors associated with mortality were age and severity scores.

Introducción: Conocer la epidemiología y etiología regional de las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo permite orientar una terapia antimicrobiana inicial empírica mejorando el resultado final del episodio. Objetivo: Describir los aspectos epidemiológicos, microbiológicos y factores asociados a la mortalidad de pacientes con infección del torrente sanguíneo en hospitales colombianos. Métodos: Sub-análisis de cohorte prospectivo de 375 pacientes consecutivos en 10 hospitales de Colombia con diagnóstico de infección del torrente sanguíneo, hospitalizados entre 1 de septiembre de 2007 y 29 de febrero de 2008. Resultados: Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron los bacilos gramnegativos en 54% de los pacientes; seguidos por las cocáceas grampositivas en 38,4%. La fuente de infección fue secundaria a un foco conocido en 67%, desconocido en 24% y asociada a catéter intravascular en 9%. Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron: Escherichia coli 46%, Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa 16%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 8,9% y Staphylococcus aureus 7,8%. Staphylococcus aureus fue sensible a meticilina en 82% de los pacientes (46/56). La mortalidad global fue de 25%. Los factores asociados con mayor mortalidad fueron: edad, puntaje SOFA y puntaje APACHE II. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados en pacientes que cursaron con bacteriemia fueron los bacilos gramnegativos, a diferencia de lo reportado en países desarrollados. La mortalidad general es alta y los factores asociados con riesgo de muerte fueron: la edad y los mayores puntajes de gravedad.

Evaluation of the predictive indices for candidemia in an adult intensive care unit

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate predictive indices for candidemia in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) and to propose a new index. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2011 and December 2012. This study was performed in an ICU in a tertiary care hospital at a public university and included 114 patients staying in the adult ICU for at least 48 hours. The association of patient variables with candidemia was analyzed. RESULTS: There were 18 (15.8%) proven cases of candidemia and 96 (84.2%) cases without candidemia. Univariate analysis revealed the following risk factors: parenteral nutrition, severe sepsis, surgical procedure, dialysis, pancreatitis, acute renal failure, and an APACHE II score higher than 20. For the Candida score index, the odds ratio was 8.50 (95% CI, 2.57 to 28.09); the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.78, 0.71, 0.33, and 0.94, respectively. With respect to the clinical predictor index, the odds ratio was 9.45 (95%CI, 2.06 to 43.39); the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.89, 0.54, 0.27, and 0.96, respectively. The proposed candidemia index cutoff was 8.5; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.77, 0.70, 0.33, and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Candida score and clinical predictor index excluded candidemia satisfactorily. The effectiveness of the candidemia index was comparable to that of the Candida score. .

Implementación de un manojo de medidas (bundle) de inserción para prevenir la infección del torrente sanguíneo asociada a dispositivo intravascular central en Cuidado Intensivo en Colombia / Implementation of an insertion bundle for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections in an Intensive Care Unit in Colombia

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) related to insertion and device care in intensive care units are frequent and preventable events. Aim: To evaluate the reduction in the rate of CLABSI through implementation of an insertion bundle. Methods: A study was conducted in the Adult-ICU at the University Hospital of Neiva comparing a pre-interventional period with an interventional one, each lasting 6 months; the intervention consisting of implementing a bundle of measures for the insertion of central venous catheters (CVC). In the pre-intervention period (2010) the rate of CLABSI and the population's characteristics were evaluated. The bundle for the insertion of the CVC consisted in: hands hygiene, use of 2% clorhexidine, maximum sterile barriers and avoiding femoral access. Results: The rate of CLABSI decreased from 5.56 to 3.26 per 1000 catheter days. The length of ICU stay and catheter duration were associated with a higher risk of infection associated to these devices (p < 0.05). Compliance with the bundle is a protective factor against the development of CLABSI (OR 0.45, p = 0.615). The staff adherence to the bundle was over 80%. Conclusion: Implementing a Central Line Insertion Bundle proved to be a useful measure in prevention of CLABSI in our hospital. This strategy could be implemented in other hospitals of similar complexity.

Las infecciones asociadas a la instalación y manejo de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) son eventos frecuentes en unidades de cuidados intensivos pero evitables. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia en disminuir la tasa de infección asociada a catéter (IACVC) obtenida con la implementación de un manojo de medidas (bundle) durante la inserción del dispositivo. Material y Métodos: Se condujo un estudio que compara un período pre-intervención con uno de intervención, de 6 meses cada uno, consistente en la implementación de un manojo de medidas para la inserción de catéter venoso central (CVC), en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo (UCI) del Hospital Universitario de Neiva, Colombia. En el período pre-intervención (2010) se evaluó la tasa de IACVC y las características de la población. Durante la intervención (2011) se implementó un manojo de medidas para la inserción de CVC que consistió en: higiene de manos, uso de clorhexidina 2%, empleo de máximas barreras estériles y evitar el acceso femoral. Resultados: Se obtuvo reducción de la tasa de IACVC de 5,56 a 3,26 X 1.000 días CVC. Los días de estancia en UCI y de exposición al CVC se asociaron a mayor riesgo de desarrollar IACVC (p < 0,05); el cumplimiento del manojo de medidas fue un factor protector contra IACVC (OR 0,45; p = 0,615). La adherencia del personal al manojo de medidas fue mayor de 80%. Conclusión: La implementación de un manojo de medidas para la inserción de CVC resultó ser una medida útil para la prevención de IACVC en nuestro hospital, lo que podría implementarse en otras instituciones hospitalarias de complejidad similar.

Bacteriemia nosocomial en servicios de Cuidados Críticos y en Sala General / Nosocomial bloodstream infection in critical care units and in general wards

Introducción: las bacteriemias nosocomiales (BN) están ampliamente estudiadas en servicios de cuidados críticos, principalmente la relacionada a catéteres venosos centrales (CVC). La importancia de las BN y su impacto clínico no ha sido estudiada en salas generales de internación, en donde es cada vez mayor el uso de CVC y existe un uso extendido de catéteres venosos periféricos (CVP). Objetivo: nos propusimos comparar la BN ocurridas en salas de cuidados generales y en éreas de cuidados críticos. Métodos: estudio prospectivo descriptivo de BN desde 01/12/2008 hasta 30/06/2012, en un hospital de adultos de tercer nivel con 400 camas. Resultados: se registraron 361 bacteriemias: 50,9% nosocomiales, 16,1% relacionadas al sistema de salud y 32,9% comunitarias. De 184 BN se presentaron 52 episodios (28,3%) en servicios de cuidados críticos y 132 (71,3% en Sala General, principalmente en Clínica Médica (82,5%). El foco más frecuente de las BN fue asociado a catéteres venosos (60%) y foco desconocido (28%). Los porcentajes de multirresistencia fueron similares en ambos ámbitos. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los Servicios de Cuidados Críticos comparado con la mortalidad por BN en Sala General (46,1% vs 46,9%; p=0,99). Conclusiones: el mayor porcentaje de BN se presentó en servicios de cuidados no críticos, su impacto es relevante si consideramos que la mortalidad intrahospitalaria resultó similar a la de servicios de cuidados críticos. Siendo la principal causa de BN en sala general, la relacionada al uso de catéter venoso central y periférico, urge la necesidad de diseñar protocolos para su colocación y manejo.

Introduction: Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections (NBI) are completely studied in critical care units, mainly those associated with central venous catheter (CVC). The significance and impact of NBI has not been analyzed in general wards, where there is an incresing use of CVC as well asan extended use of peripheral lines. Objective: we compared NBI in general wards with those occurred in critical care units. Methods: prospective, descriptive study performed from 01/12/2008 since 30/06/2012, in an adult third level 400-bed hospital. Results: we obtained 361 bloodstream infections: 50.9% nosocomial, 16.1% healthcare related and 32.9% community acquired. Out of 184 NBI episodes 52 (28.3%) were from critical care units and 132 (71,3%) from general wards, mainly internal medicine service (82.5%). The most frequent source of NBI was related to venous catheters (60%) and unknown focus (28%). Frequency of multirresistant microorganisms was similar in both areas. No statistically significant differences were found in the in-hospital mortality of NBI in critical care units and general wards (46.1% vs 46.9%; p=0.99). Conclusion: General wards presented the highest percentage of NBI. Its impact is relevant considering that the in-hospital mortality was similar tothat in critical care units. The main cause of NBI in general wards is that associated to the use of venous catheter, central and peripheral ones, therefore recommendations for catheterization and maintenance of venous catheters should be implemented.

Bloodstream infection in patients with end-stage renal disease in a teaching hospital in central-western Brazil

Introduction Vascular access in patients undergoing hemodialysis is considered a critical determinant of bloodstream infection (BSI) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of BSI in patients with end-stage renal disease using central venous catheters for hemodialysis. Methods A cohort study was conducted in a public teaching hospital in central-western Brazil from April 2010 to December 2011. For every patient, we noted the presence of hyperemia/exudation upon catheter insertion, as well as fever, shivering, and chills during hemodialysis. Results Fifty-nine patients were evaluated. Thirty-five (59.3%) patients started dialysis due to urgency, 37 (62.7%) had BSI, and 12 (20%) died. Hyperemia at the catheter insertion site (64.9%) was a significant clinical manifestation in patients with BSI. Statistical analysis revealed 1.7 times more cases of BSI in patients with hypoalbuminemia compared with patients with normal albumin levels. The principal infective agents identified in blood cultures and catheter-tip cultures were Staphylococcus species (24 cases), non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (7 cases of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and 5 cases of Chryseobacterium indologenes), and Candida species (6). Among the Staphylococci identified, 77.7% were methicillin-resistant, coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Of the bacteria isolated, the most resistant were Chryseobacterium indologenes and Acinetobacter baumannii. Conclusions Blood culture was demonstrated to be an important diagnostic test and identified over 50% of positive BSI cases. The high frequency of BSI and the isolation of multiresistant bacteria were disturbing findings. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism, although Gram-negative bacteria predominated overall. These results highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures in dialysis units. .

Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection: length of stay, attributable mortality, and additional direct costs

This study aimed to determine the excess length of stay, extra expenditures, and attributable mortality to healthcare-associated S. aureus bloodstream infection (BSI) at a teaching hospital in central Brazil. The study design was a matched (1:1) case-control. Cases were defined as patients > 13 years old, with a healthcare-associated S. aureus BSI. Controls included patients without an S. aureus BSI, who were matched to cases by gender, age (± 7 years), morbidity, and underlying disease. Data were collected from medical records and from the Brazilian National Hospital Information System (Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde - SIH/SUS). A Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to compare length of stay and costs between cases and controls. Differences in mortality between cases and controls were compared using McNemar's tests. The Mantel-Haenzel stratified analysis was performed to compare invasive device utilization. Data analyses were conducted using Epi Info 6.0 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 13.0). 84 case-control pairs matched by gender, age, admission period, morbidity, and underlying disease were analyzed. The mean lengths of hospital stay were 48.3 and 16.2 days for cases and controls, respectively (p < 0.01), yielding an excess hospital stay among cases of 32.1 days. the excess mortality among cases compared to controls that was attributable to s. aureus bloodstream infection was 45.2%. Cases had a higher risk of dying compared to controls (OR 7.3, 95% CI 3.1-21.1). Overall costs of hospitalization (SIH/SUS) reached US$ 123,065 for cases versus US$ 40,247 for controls (p < 0.01). the cost of antimicrobial therapy was 6.7 fold higher for cases compared to controls. healthcare-associated s. aureus BSI was associated with statistically significant increases in length of hospitalization, attributable mortality, and economic burden. Implementation of measures to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated bacterial infections is essential.

Candida bloodstream infection: data from a teaching hospital in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Infecção na corrente sangüínea por Candida spp. dados de um hospital universitário em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

The incidence of Candida bloodstream infection has increased over the past years. In the Center-West region of Brazil, data on candidemia are scarce. This paper reports a retrospective analysis of 96 cases of Candida bloodstream infection at a Brazilian tertiary-care teaching hospital in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, from January 1998 to December 2006. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records and from the hospital's laboratory database. Patients' ages ranged from three days to 92 years, with 53 (55.2 percent) adults and 43 (44.8 percent) children. Of the latter, 25 (58.1 percent) were newborns. The risk conditions most often found were: long period of hospitalization, utilization of venous central catheter, and previous use of antibiotics. Fifty-eight (60.4 percent) patients died during the hospitalization period and eight (13.7 percent) of them died 30 days after the diagnosis of candidemia. Candida albicans (45.8 percent) was the most prevalent species, followed by C. parapsilosis (34.4 percent), C. tropicalis (14.6 percent) and C. glabrata (5.2 percent). This is the first report of Candida bloodstream infection in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and it highlights the importance of considering the possibility of invasive Candida infection in patients exposed to risk factors, particularly among neonates and the elderly.

A incidência de infecções na corrente sangüínea causada por Candida spp. tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, os dados sobre candidemia são escassos. Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva de casos de infecção na corrente sangüínea por Candida em um hospital terciário de ensino de Mato Grosso do Sul. Noventa e seis episódios diagnosticados de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2006 foram incluídos no estudo. Os dados demográficos e clínicos foram obtidos de prontuários; os dados laboratoriais provieram de registros do laboratório hospitalar. Dos pacientes, 43 (44,8 por cento) eram crianças e 53 (55,2 por cento) adultos, com idades variando de três dias a 92 anos. Das crianças, 25 (58,1 por cento) eram recém-nascidas. As condições de risco mais encontradas foram: prolongado tempo de internação, uso de cateter venoso central e uso prévio de antibióticos. Cinqüenta e oito (60,4 por cento) pacientes foram a óbito durante a hospitalização e oito (13,7 por cento) deles foram a óbito 30 dias após o diagnóstico de candidemia. Candida albicans (45,8 por cento) foi a espécie mais prevalente seguida por C. parapsilosis (34,4 por cento), C. tropicalis (14,6 por cento) e C. glabrata (5,2 por cento). Esta é a primeira descrição de infecção na corrente sangüínea por espécies de Candida em Mato Grosso do Sul, confirmando a importância da suspeita clínica de infecções invasivas por tais microrganismos na evolução de pacientes expostos a fatores de risco, principalmente no caso de idosos e neonatos.