Determination of associated factors with death in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, retrospective study.

The effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is still unknown.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and to explore the impact of prior COVID-19.

Design and setting: In this retrospective and single-center study, all adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with S. aureus bacteremia between March 2020 and February 2022 were included.

Methods: The outcomes of our study were 14-day and 28-day hospital mortality after the first positive blood culture was obtained. Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 140 patients with S. aureus bacteremia were included in the study. The median age was 64.5 (48.5-76) and 82 (58.5%) of the patients were male. 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 28.6% and 37.1% respectively. Among patients with S. aureus bacteremia and previous COVID-19 history, 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 33.9% (n = 21) and 41.9% (n = 26), respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that Pitt bacteremia score, AST, urea, and previous antibiotic use were associated factors for 14-day mortality and 28-day mortality due to S. aureus bacteremia.

Conclusions: This study justified the remarkable fatality of S. aureus bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic period and revealed that a high Pitt bacteremia score, increased levels of AST and urea, and previous antibiotic exposure were associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia.