Prevalence and Microbial Etiology of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in a University Hospital in North Cyprus: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to determine the incidence of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and to identify specific pathogens in three intensive care units (ICUs) at a university hospital in North Cyprus during 2022-2023. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective investigation was conducted using data collected from medical records via the electronic information system.The records provided details on patient demographics, incidence density rates, microbial isolates, and resistance profiles within the ICUs. RESULTS:In total, 48 cases were analyzed.The overall CRBSIs incidence density was 17.2 per 1000 catheter days.The General ICU had the highest CRBSI incidence at 30.2 per 1,000 catheter days, whereas the Cardiovascular Surgery ICU recorded 0.0 per 1000 catheter days.Among the 48 cases, a total of 49 bacterial isolates were identified, including one case with dual bacterial strains.Klebsiella pneumoniae was the leading causative agent, found in 16 isolates (32.7%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis in 10 isolates (20.4%).Of the 49 bacterial isolates, resistance was observed in 35.Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production was detected in 12 (24.5%)K. pneumoniae isolates, 3 (6.1%)Proteus mirabilis isolates, and 1 (2.0%)Escherichia coli isolate.In addition, methicillin resistance was noted in 10 S. epidermidis (20.4%), 7 Staphylococcus haemolyticus (14.3%), and 2 Staphylococcus hominis (4.1%) isolates.CONCLUSION: These findings support continued implementation of protective and preventive measures in hospital ICUs for effective CRBSI management.