The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Bloodstream Infections in Hospitalized Patients

Introduction:As a result of stricter adherence to hygiene rules during the coronavirus diseases-2019 pandemic, changes are expected in the epidemiology of infectious diseases in society, especially in etiological agent profiles and frequency rankings.This study aims to compare the microorganisms detected in bloodstream infections in our patients treated during the pandemic with the pre-pandemic period. Materials and Methods:The study included patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were hospitalized in the pediatric ward or pediatric intensive care unit between April 1, 2018, and May 31, 2022, and had positive blood cultures.Pre-pandemic and pandemic period data were compared statistically. Results:Of the patients included in the study, 129 (72.9%) were from the pre-pandemic period, and 48 (27.1%) were from the pandemic period.The most common reasons for hospitalization in both periods were lower respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis.The most common comorbid conditions were cerebral palsy, immunodeficiency, and epilepsy.When all cases were evaluated together, it was determined that 25% of the cases received mechanical ventilation, 16% had a central venous catheter, and 6% had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.The most frequently isolated causative agents in both periods were coagulase-negative staphylococci. Conclusion:In our center, it was observed that the pandemic did not affect the causative microorganisms' profile in bloodstream infections.Although coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common causative agents in catheter-related bloodstream infections, they are also frequently responsible for contamination.Clinical interpretation is important.Regular microbial monitoring is necessary to effectively control infections, and every healthcare center should undertake this responsibility.