173. Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia at a Community Hospital in the Southeastern United States June 2021-June 2022

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is a common condition with high risk for mortality. Recent COVID-19 infection may influence the incidence and outcome of S. aureus bacteremia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of individuals with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia from June 2021-June 2022 in a rural community health care system in the Southeastern United States. Primary outcome was mortality—variables included methicillin resistance, persistent bacteremia, ID consult, history of injection drug use, cardiac imaging, and COVID-19 infection within the previous 90 days. RESULTS: 172 individuals experienced 188 episodes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. 79 were MRSA, 99 were MSSA. 57 individuals were deceased within 6 months of the positive blood culture (33% mortality). 31 individuals had known injection drug use complicating their illness, endocarditis was confirmed in 18 (58%) of these individuals compared to 33 (19%) of the entire population. 116 individuals (67%) had an ID consult. This study occurred during the delta and omicron COVID-19 surges in the region – 18 episodes of S. aureus bacteremia occurred within 90 days of a positive COVID-19 test, and 10 (56%) of those individuals were deceased within 6 months of the positive blood culture. CONCLUSION: S. aureus bacteremia carries a high risk for mortality. Endocarditis was confirmed more frequently in individuals with known injection drug use. Six month mortality in S. aureus bacteremia was higher when bacteremia occurred in the 90 days post COVID-19 infection. DISCLOSURES: All Authors: No reported disclosures