Increase in the frequency of catheter-related bloodstream infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: a plea for control

BACKGROUND: The incidence of nosocomial infections including ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacteraemia has been described during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) is very limited. AIM: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the evolution of CR-BSIs in a large hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective study comparing the incidence, aetiology and outcome of CR-BSIs during the months of March to May 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic). FINDINGS: The number of patients with one or more CR-BSIs in 2019 and 2020 were 23 and 58, respectively (1.89 vs 5.53/1000 admissions); P<0.001. Median time from catheter implantation to demonstration of CR-BSI was 27.5 days (range 11.75–126.00 days) in the 2019 cases and 16.0 days (range 11.00–23.50 days) in the 2020 population (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: A dramatic increase of CR-BSIs was found during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reinforcement of classic and new preventive measures is necessary.