Pediatric Bloodstream Infections in Saudi Arabia: A Microbiological Analysis

Background: Blood cultures are essential for diagnosing Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) in children.Understanding the specific pathogens involved is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.Objectives: to describe the demographic and microbiological characteristics of pediatric patients with Positive Blood Cultures (PBCs) and determine the resistance profile of isolated bacteria.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed blood culture results from pediatric patients at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February to July 2019.Demographic and microbiological data were extracted.Results: Of 132 PBCs from 108 patients (62 male, 46 female), 35 (26.5%) were contaminated, leaving 97 True Positive Blood Cultures (TPBCs).Gram-Negative Bacilli (GNB) were predominant in TPBCs (57.5%), followed by grampositive cocci (47.5%).Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CONS), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens were the most frequent isolates.All Enterobacterales isolates were Carbapenems-sensitive, but 43.5% were extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL) producers.Conclusion: This study highlights the high rate of blood culture contamination in pediatric patients.GNB, particularly ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, were the predominant pathogens causing BSIs, emphasizing the need for appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.