Bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bloodstream infections from a teaching institution in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, North India.

Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSIs), encompassing both self-limiting bacteremia and potentially fatal septicaemia, make up the majority of healthcare-associated ailments worldwide. The organisms encountered are mostly multidrug-resistant (MDROs), leading to increased hospital stays. Our study aims to collect data about blood culture isolates from a medical college in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of blood culture isolates obtained at our laboratory for ten months from patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis or infection with the possibility of haematogenous spread was done. We only considered consecutive and patient-specific, non-duplicate isolates. Blood samples were initially incubated in BacT/ALERT® and then manually processed once they flagged positive.

Results: A total of 1,033 blood samples were received, of which 217 (21%) showed the growth of a pathogenic organism. The positivity rate varied significantly across different age groups, locations, and departments (P value < 0.001). It was higher among in-patients, those with central venous access, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Staphylococcus aureus [n = 105, 48.38%] was isolated most commonly, with a high prevalence of methicillin resistance (83%). Enterococcus demonstrated a high degree of resistance. MDROs accounted for 68% of the detected Gram-negatives.

Discussion: This study comprehensively analyses blood culture results from a diverse group of patients and emphasizes the association between risk factors and positive blood cultures. Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates demonstrated low sensitivity to common antibiotics, urging vigilant monitoring and specific therapy.

Conclusion: Our study reveals important insights guiding clinical practices, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control strategies.