ESBL production and carbapenem resistance increased the secondary bloodstream infection rates in intensive care units in Turkey, 2014–2019

AIM: Secondary bloodstream infections (SBSIs) are caused by another infection and differ from primary bloodstream infections (PBSIs) in terms of prevention and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for bloodstream infections which were secondary to the most common healthcare-associated infections caused by the most common microorganisms in intensive care units (ICUs) and to examine whether extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production and carbapenem resistance is related to the higher risk or not. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients in ICUs with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated event (VAE) or catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) caused by E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii between 2014 and 2019. The data were obtained through the National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance Network. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed separately for VAP/VAE and CAUTI to determine the risk factors for the development of SBSI. RESULTS: Microorganism, ICU type, bed capasity and carbapenem resistance were found to be risk factors for SBSI for both types of infection. For VAPs/VAEs, female gender and hospital type were also identified as risk factors. The highest risk was in K.pneumoniae and in emergency ICUs. Among the hospitals, the highest risk in VAPs/VAEs was found in government education and research hospitals. ESBL production for K. pneumoniae and E. coli increased the risk in patients with VAP/VAE; however, it did not increase in patients with CAUTI. DISCUSSION: By using the risk factors, it may be possible to recognize SBSIs earlier, especially in patients with CAUTIs or VAPs/VAEs caused by carbapenem-resistant or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae.