Insights into bloodstream infections in South African paediatric burn patients: implications for antimicrobial stewardship

Our findings show that as gram positive and gram negative infections predominantly occurred early in the admission period, while polymicrobial infections are more frequently observed later. Consequently, initial targeted narrow-spectrum antimicrobial use is not possible. Instead, antimicrobial de-escalation should be prioritized once culture results are available. Efforts should shift from a focus on treating BSIs to preventing them through wound care and infection control measures. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be used judiciously and quickly de-escalated to minimise antimicrobial resistance development.