The bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of central line-associated blood stream infections in surgical intensive care unit in Tanta University Hospital

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are considered the third most frequent cause of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). Objectives: This study aimed to detect infection rate of CLABSI in surgical intensive care unit (ICU), and to identify bacteriological profile & antibiotic sensitivity of infecting organisms causing CLABSI. Methods: This study was carried out on 450 ICU patients with CVC inserted for more than 2 days of admission in the hospital with no infection at the time of admission to the ICU, having the criteria of CLABSI [fever < 38°C or high leucocytic count <10000/ml], and no remote site of infection who were admitted to the ICU for at least 48 hours. Results: CLABSI was present in 57 (12.67%) of all included patients. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal failure , cancer , care of central line, and mortality rate were statistically significant risk factors in positive CLABSI patients (P value <0.05). While, age, gender, length of hospital stay, site of central line (Subclavian, jagular, femoral), and use of other associated devices were statistically insignificant between positive and negative CLABSI patients. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of bacterial pathogens was high and caused by both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Unfortunately, most of the pathogens were multi drug resistant organisms. CLABSI was significantly associated with care of central line and mortality rate.