Central-line-associated Blood Stream Infections in Children Admitted to a South African Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introduction:Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a common complication of venous access.Rates of CLABSI are reportedly higher in middle-income countries compared with highincome countries.There is a paucity of data concerning CLABSI in South Africa.In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of CLABSI and its associated factors at Dora Nginza Hospital. Methods:We conducted a retrospective review of medical and laboratory records of all paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients who had central lines placed between January 2019 to December 2019.The CLABSI was defined according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.Eligible patients had to have had a central line for two days prior to CLABSI.Information concerning the type of the central line, associated factors, septic markers, and the organisms that were cultured was obtained from the records.