Viridans Group Streptococcal Infections in Children After Chemotherapy or Stem Cell Transplantation: A 10-year Review From a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital

The clinical Spectrum of Viridans Group Streptococci infections in paediatric patients at a tertiary hospital

Background

Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS) are often considered organisms of low virulence; however, infection can result in clinically significant sepsis and life-threatening complications in paediatric patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the spectrum of clinical presentation of VGS bacteraemia in paediatric patients, to analyse risk factors, and to describe the antibiotics resistance patterns of VGS.

Method

Cultures of VGS in paediatric patients admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in 2019 were identified through National Health Laboratory Service. Data were extracted from archived clinical records and analysed. Sepsis scores were calculated at the time of bacteraemia.

Results

A total of 133 cultures were identified; 64 (48.1%) polymicrobial cultures and no records 4 (0.03%) were excluded; 65 (48.9%) were analysed. The median age was 1.5 months (range 0.03 to 168, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.3-13.25), 27/65 (42%) were neonates. The median duration of hospitalisation was 7 days (IQR: 3-21). The commonest diagnoses were neonatal sepsis 30.8% (n = 20) and pneumonia 28% (n = 18). The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score was ≥ 2 in 57% (16/28) patients; paediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) score was > 2 in 10/24 (42%). Fifty-seven (88%) patients were discharged; three (5%) required ICU admission and 8/65 (12.3%) died. Malnutrition was present in 50% of patients who died. Cephalosporins and penicillin had sensitivity of 89% and 55%, respectively.

Conclusion

Viridans Group Streptococci bacteraemia was common in neonates, and pneumonia was a common presentation in this cohort. The VGS bacteraemia was associated with morbidity and deaths in this cohort.

Contribution

The VGS should be considered a significant organism when cultured from sterile sites and routine antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed. Prospective studies are recommended.

Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Bacterial Pathogen Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia-A 5-Year Analysis

The epidemiology of bacterial pathogens causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in pediatric hematology/oncology patients is changing and resistance to antimicrobial agents is globally spread. We retrospectively assessed demographic, clinical, and microbiologic data of BSIs during a 5-year period at a pediatric hematology/oncology unit from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. In 66 pediatric patients with malignancies, 93 BSI episodes were registered and 97 bacterial isolates were cultured. The Gram-positive versus Gram-negative ratio was 67 (69.1%) versus 30 (30.9%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (48; 49.6%) were the most frequent isolates, followed by Enterobacterales (17; 17.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6; 6.2%). Multidrug resistance isolates included extended spectrum β-lactamase producers (n=3). Resistance rates to piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, and meropenem in Gram-negative isolates were 15.4%, 14.3%, and 0.0%, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria are the most common cause of BSI in our patients. Resistance rates to piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime in Gram-negative isolates make meropenem a better choice for empirical antimicrobial treatment. As national and hospital data may differ, the surveillance of pathogen distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility in pediatric hematology/oncology wards is necessary to adjust empirical treatment accordingly.

Clinical and microbiological profile of Viridans group streptococcal bacteraemia; experience from South India

Background

Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS) are a group of distinct species that can cause bacteraemia and other invasive infections. They are also among the common organisms causing infective endocarditis. Data on the epidemiology and clinical profile of VGS is limited, especially from India.

Methods

We conducted an electronic medical record-based retrospective analysis of patients with VGS bacteraemia admitted to our hospital between January 2012 to December 2021. Blood cultures were incubated by BacT/ALERT system and bacterial identification and susceptibility testing were done by using the VITEK 2 microbial identification system. Susceptibility test reporting was as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The incidence, clinical profile, source of bacteraemia, co-morbidities and antimicrobial resistance among VGS bacteraemia were analyzed.

Results

VGS were isolated in 219 patients, accounting for 3.2% of positive blood cultures during the period studied. The median age of the patients was 58 years and 69% were males. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbidity (55%) followed by chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease. Patients with haematological malignancy and neutropenia were few. Intra-abdominal infections were the most common source of infection and was noted in 26%. Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in only 10% of the cases. Streptococcus mitis was the most common species isolated followed by S. gallolyticus and S. sanguinis. 9.58% of the isolates could not be identified up to the species level. Overall penicillin susceptibility was 71% and ceftriaxone susceptibility was 92%, with individual species variation. In-hospital mortality was 19%.

Conclusions

VGS are an important cause of bacteraemia and was associated with 19% mortality in our study. High rates of penicillin and ceftriaxone resistance are a reason of concern. Molecular diagnostics like matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) identification must be increasingly applied for species identification considering that a substantial number of isolates were not identified to species level.

Emerging Resistance Trends in Viridans Group Streptococci Bloodstream Infections Among Immunocompromised Children Receiving Levofloxacin Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Levofloxacin prophylaxis (LVXp) is often used for patients with underlying leukemia and severe neutropenia to reduce the risk of fever and bacteremia. This study evaluated trends in viridans group streptococci (VGS) antibiotic susceptibilities over time and clinical outcomes of children with VGS bloodstream infections (BSIs) during institutional adoption of LVXp.

METHODS

VGS blood culture isolates between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2021 with susceptibility testing reported were included. Available isolates were re-identified to the species level and additional susceptibility testing was performed. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 264 VGS BSI isolates were identified in immunocompromised (IC, n = 125) and non-immunocompromised subjects, (non-IC, n = 139). IC subjects had lower rates of VGS isolates susceptible (S) to LVX and higher minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) to LVX (p = 0.004) and ciprofloxacin (p = 0.0005) compared with non-IC subjects. No other evaluated antibiotic had increased MICs in either group. Fifteen of 19 (74%) LVX not susceptible (NS) isolates occurred in IC subjects, 13 represented breakthrough infections. IC subjects had higher rates of VGS-related shock (p = 0.012), need for pressor support (p = 0.039), and longer duration of hospitalization than non-IC subjects (p < 0.001). Clinical outcomes were comparable between subjects with LVX S and NS VGS BSI isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

VGS with reduced susceptibility to LVX emerged during institutional adoption of LVXp in high-risk children with immunocompromising conditions, but did not result in significant differences in clinical outcomes. Ongoing surveillance and susceptibility testing are critical in weighing the utility of LVXp against emerging antimicrobial resistance in this high-risk population.

Streptococcus mitis as a New Emerging Pathogen in Pediatric Age: Case Report and Systematic Review

Streptococcus mitis, a normal inhabitant of the oral cavity, is a member of Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS). Generally recognized as a causative agent of invasive diseases in immunocompromised patients, S. mitis is considered to have low pathogenic potential in immunocompetent individuals. We present a rare case of sinusitis complicated by meningitis and cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) caused by S. mitis in a previously healthy 12-year-old boy with poor oral health status. With the aim of understanding the real pathogenic role of this microorganism, an extensive review of the literature about invasive diseases due to S. mitis in pediatric patients was performed. Our data define the critical role of this microorganism in invasive infections, especially in immunocompetent children and in the presence of apparently harmful conditions such as sinusitis and caries. Attention should be paid to the choice of therapy because of VGS's emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Distribution and drug resistance profiles of pathogens causing bloodstream infection after chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVES

To study the changes in the distribution and drug resistance profiles of pathogens causing bloodstream infection after chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

METHODS

The medical data were collected from the children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and December 2020 and developed bloodstream infection after chemotherapy. The samples were divided into the first three years group and the next three years group according to the time of testing to investigate the differences in the distribution and drug resistance profiles of pathogens as time.

RESULTS

A total of 235 strains of pathogens were isolated, among which there were 159 Gram-negative strains (67.7%; mainly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), 61 Gram-positive strains (26.0%; mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis), and 15 strains of fungi (6.4%; mainly Candida albicans). There were no significant differences between the first three years group and the next three years group in the detection rate of Gram-negative bacteria (68.8% vs 66.9%, P>0.05) or Gram-positive bacteria (29.2% vs 23.7%, P>0.05). Compared with the first three years group, the next three years group had significant increases in the detection rate of Streptococcus mitis (5.8% vs 0.0%, P<0.05) and fungi (9.4% vs 2.1%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the drug resistance rate of Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Enterobacteriaceae bacteria are the main pathogens of bloodstream infection after chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while the detection rates of Streptococcus mitis and fungi tend to increase as time, which needs to be taken seriously in clinical practice.

Bloodstream Infections in Children With Cancer: Pathogen Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns Over a 10-Year Period

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) adversely affect clinical outcome in children with cancer. Over 1 decade, this retrospective cohort study describes pathogen distribution in BSIs and antimicrobial susceptibility against empirical antibiotics frequently prescribed in children with cancer. The antibiotic efficacy was evaluated through the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations for piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem and by disk diffusion for remaining antibiotics. From 2004 to 2013, 398 BSIs occurred in 196 children with cancer (median age: 5.4 y), resulting in 457 bacteria. Overall, 266 (58.2%) were Gram-positive, and 191 (41.8%) were Gram-negative with a significant Gram-positive increase over time (P=0.032). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (74, 16.2%), viridans group streptococci (67, 14.7%), Escherichia coli (52, 11.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (39, 8.5%) were the most common pathogens. Susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam (95.9%, P=0.419) and meropenem (98.9%, P=0.752) was stable over time, and resistance was observed among viridans group streptococci against piperacillin-tazobactam (18%) and meropenem (7%) and among Enterobacterales against piperacillin-tazobactam (3%). Vancomycin showed 98% Gram-positive activity, gentamicin 82% Gram-negative activity and ampicillin, cefotaxime, and cefuroxime were active in 50%, 72%, and 69% of pathogens, respectively, and BSI-related mortality was 0%. In conclusion, over 1 decade, we report an increase in Gram-positive BSIs, and stable, low-resistance rates against currently recommended empirical antibiotics, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem.

Impact of Perioperative Absolute Neutrophil Count on Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukemia

Background

There is lack of evidence concerning safety of placement of tunneled central venous catheters (TCVCs) in neutropenic children with acute leukemias. Here, we evaluate the impact of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at the time of TCVC placement on development of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in children with lymphoblastic (ALL) or myeloid leukemia (AML).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational study of children undergoing TCVC placement at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2000 and December 2019 was performed. Traditional and competing-risks regression models were used to estimate the effect of perioperative ANC on development of CLABSI.

Results

A total of 350 children (median age 6.4 [IQR: 3.1–10.9] years) underwent 498 consecutive TCVC implantations in neutropenic (n = 172, 34.5%) and non-neutropenic conditions (n = 326, 65.5%). The median length of observation per TCVC was 217.1 (IQR: 116.1–260.5) days with a total of 99,681 catheter days (CD). There were no differences in early (within first 30 days after TCVC placement) and overall CLABSI rates between neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients (HR 1.250, p = 0.502; HR 1.633, p = 0.143). We identified female sex (HR 2.640, p = 0.006) and the use of TCVC for treatment of relapsed leukemia (HR 4.347, p < 0.0001) as risk factors for early CLABSI and the use of double-lumen catheters (HR 2.607, p = 0.003) and use of TCVCs during leukemia relapse (HR 2.004, p = 0.005) for overall study period.

Conclusion

The placement of TCVC in children with neutropenia undergoing anticancer therapy for acute leukemia is safe and not associated with an elevated rate of CLABSI.

Viridans Group Streptococci in Pediatric Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplant: Review of a Risk-stratified Guideline for Empiric Vancomycin in Febrile Neutropenia

Viridans group streptococci (VGS) are an important cause of sepsis in immunosuppressed children. We reviewed the effectiveness of risk-stratified addition of vancomycin to empiric febrile neutropenia therapy among 107 children with leukemia or undergoing an allogeneic transplant. Of 19 VGS bacteremia episodes, 78.9% were susceptible to risk-stratified antibiotics including 100% from high-risk patients. All blood cultures were flagged positive within 24 hours.

Antibiotic-Resistant Infections and Treatment Challenges in the Immunocompromised Host: An Update

This article reviews antibiotic resistance and treatment of bacterial infections in the growing number of patients who are immunocompromised: solid organ transplant recipients, the neutropenic host, and persons with human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS. Specific mechanisms of resistance in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as newer treatment options are addressed elsewhere and are only briefly discussed in the context of the immunocompromised host.

A case report of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus mitis in a healthy adult

BACKGROUND

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is an acute, multisystem and toxin-mediated disease that usually causes shock and multiple organ failure in the early stages of its clinical course. It is associated with a substantial increase in mortality rate. The disease has been associated with invasive group A Streptococcus and is rarely caused by Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis). In healthy adults, S. mitis is closely related to endocarditis but rarely related to STSS.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of STSS caused by S. mitis in a healthy 45-year-old woman. She presented with fever 14 h after surgery and with hypotension 24 h later, and she subsequently suffered from septic shock, low albumin, dysfunction of coagulation, acute kidney dysfunction, respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and cellulitis of the incision. The diagnosis was obtained through clinical manifestation and blood culture examination. The patient was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation, adequate antibiotics for a total of 4 weeks, respiratory support, and surgical debridement and drainage of the incision. She was discharged after her vital signs returned to normal and the incision healed on day 40 after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of STSS is often delayed or missed, which leads to a high mortality rate. It is possible to cure patients if the disease can be identified early and treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation, adequate antibiotics and control of the source of infection. Clinicians should consider the disease in the differential diagnosis of septic shock to prevent death.

Spectrum and resistance determinants of oral streptococci clinical isolates

The profiles of oral streptococci sensitivity to antibacterial drugs may reflect information about the presence of macroorganism resistance determinants. The aim of the work was to isolate the spectrum of oral streptococci from the microbiota of the oral cavity of patients and to determine their sensitivity to a wide range of antibiotics. A total of 342 microbial streptococcal isolates were isolated from saliva samples and a periodontal pocket and tested for antibiotic sensitivity. Species identification of streptococci was carried out using biochemical API test systems. Evaluation of antibiotic resistance was performed using E-tests. Real-time PCR was used to identify the presence of tetracycline and macrolide resistance genes. The study identified six types of oral streptococci: S. oralis, S. salivarius, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, S. anginosus and S. mutans. All streptococci were sensitive to linezolid and meropenem. The proportion of penicillin-resistant streptococci in the subgroup S. oralis / mitis / mutans was 47,8% versus 23,5% in the subgroup S. salivarius / sanguinis / anginosus (p = 0.020). Significant levels of resistance were revealed to macrolides (erythromycin) - 47,9%, tetracyclines (tetracycline) - 44,4% and quinolones (ofloxacin) - 41%. Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was detected in 31,9% of oral streptococcal isolates, a combination of erythromycin, tetracycline and ofloxacin resistance was prevalent in 79 isolates (23,1%). The most common genotypes of macrolides and tetracycline resistant oral streptococci (in 127 streptococcal isolates with combined resistance) were ermB-mefE + and tetM + tetQ-, respectively. Thus, S. oralis / mitis / mutans group streptococci predominated in the structure of antibiotic-resistant oral streptococci, including MDR. So, being in one of the most densely populated biotopes of a macroorganism, oral streptococci can mediate the transfer of resistance determinants to more pathogenic and clinically significant microorganisms, which requires careful monitoring of their level of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.

Microbiology of Bloodstream Infections in Children After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience Over Two Decades (1997-2017)

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) occur frequently after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We examined the microbiology of BSI in pediatric HSCT recipients over a 2-decade period at our institution to inform empirical antimicrobial prescribing and infection prevention strategies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children (<18 years) who underwent HSCT at Duke University between 1997 and 2015. We used recurrent-event gap-time Cox proportional hazards models to determine the hazards of all-cause and cause-specific BSI according to HSCT year. We compared the median time to BSI by causative organism type and evaluated for temporal trends in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among causative organisms.

Results

A total of 865 BSI occurred in 1311 children, including 412 (48%) Gram-positive bacterial, 196 (23%) Gram-negative bacterial, 56 (6%) fungal, 23 (3%) mycobacterial, and 178 (21%) polymicrobial BSI. The hazard of all BSIs did not change substantially over time during the study period, but the hazard of fungal BSIs declined over time during the study period (P = .04). Most fungal BSIs (82%) occurred in the first 100 days after HSCT, whereas mycobacterial BSIs occurred later after HSCT than BSIs caused by other organisms (P < .0001). The prevalence of vancomycin resistance among BSIs caused by Enterococcus faecium increased during the study period (P = .0007). The risk of 2-year mortality in children was increased with BSI (P = .02), Gram-negative bacterial BSI (P = .02), and fungal BSI (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Despite expanded practices for BSI prevention over the past several decades, the incidence of BSI remains high in pediatric HSCT recipients at our institution. Additional strategies are urgently needed to effectively prevent BSIs in this high-risk population.

Bloodstream infection by multidrug-resistant Streptococcus oralis in a leukemic patient with febrile neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

We reported the case of a patient with leukemia who developed febrile neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood culture results revealed the presence of Streptococcus oralis, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the resistance to penicillin and cephem. Furthermore, isolates were not susceptible to either meropenem or daptomycin but not to vancomycin. S oralis is known to belong to Streptococcus mitis group and be a causative agent of bacteremia in the neutropenic patients, but multidrug resistance of S oralis is rare. Our findings suggest that we might pay attention to the emergence of the microorganisms acquiring multidrug resistance in neutropenic patients.

An intubated 7-month-old infant with a retropharyngeal abscess and multidrug-resistant Streptococcus mitis

The profile of antimicrobial resistance (ie, antibiogram) may be disparate between children and adults. An infant developed severe deep neck infection with a multidrug-resistant microbe. The microbe was more drug-resistant in children than in adults, in our hospital. Treatment of a child should be guided by the antibiogram obtained from children.

The clinical impact of patients with bloodstream infection with different groups of Viridans group streptococci by using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)

The accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for identifying viridans group streptococcus (VGS) was improving. However, the clinical impact of identifying VGS had not been well recognized. Our study had comprehensively studied the clinical manifestations and outcome of VGS blood stream infection by using MALDI-TOF MS for identification.This retrospective study enrolled 312 adult patients with a monomicrobial blood culture positive for VGS. Blood culture was examined through MALDI-TOF MS.The most common VGS species were the Streptococcus anginosus group (38.8%) and Streptococcus mitis group (22.8%). Most species showed resistance to erythromycin (35.6%), followed by clindamycin (25.3%) and penicillin (12.5%). Skin and soft tissue infection and biliary tract infection were significantly related to S. anginosus group bacteremia (P = .001 and P = .005, respectively). S. mitis group bacteremia was related to infective endocarditis and bacteremia with febrile neutropenia (P = .005 and P < .001, respectively). Infective endocarditis was also more likely associated with S. sanguinis group bacteremia (P = .009). S. anginosus group had less resistance rate to ampicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and ceftriaxone (P = .019, <.001, .001, and .046, respectively). A more staying in intensive care unit, underlying solid organ malignancy, and a shorter treatment duration were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. This study comprehensively evaluated different VGS group and their clinical manifestations, infection sources, concomitant diseases, treatments, and outcomes. Categorizing VGS into different groups by MALDI-TOF MS could help clinical physicians well understand their clinical presentations.

Abscessing Infection by Streptococcus mitis Mimicking Metastatic Lesions in a 5-Year-Old Girl With Nephroblastoma: A Case Report

Streptococcus mitis is a common pathogen causing infections in oncological patients. However, cases of abscesses caused by Streptococcus mitis in oncological patients have not been reported so far. We report on 5-year-old child with nephroblastoma and pulmonary and hepatic metastases at diagnosis who went into complete remission undergoing chemotherapy and nephrectomy, and who developed new round lesions in liver and lungs under continuous chemotherapy suggestive of new metastases. Biopsy of the lesions revealed abscesses with detection of Streptococcus mitis. The child was successfully treated with antibiotics, finished chemotherapy per protocol and has been in complete remission for 14 months. Infectious lesions involving organs of typical metastatic dissemination can easily be misdiagnosed as metastases, especially in the absence of symptoms. Histologic proof of lesions suspicious of metastases is mandatory if it leads to a change of prognosis and therapy. Streptococcus mitis can be a causative organism of pulmonary and hepatic abscesses in oncological patients.

Bloodstream infections in oncology patients at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, from 2012 to 2014

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to investigate the epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) in oncology patients at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH), Cape Town, with focus placed on the most common causes, complications, and antimicrobial susceptibilities in BSI.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Haematology-Oncology Unit of RCWMCH. All positive blood cultures from RCWMCH oncology patients obtained in 2012 to 2014 were retrieved to identify cases of BSI.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-three positive cultures were identified, for 150 BSI episodes among 89 patients; 49.1% of the culture isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, 41.6% were Gram-negative bacteria, and 9.3% were fungal. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and viridans group Streptococcus were the most common Gram-positive isolates. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species were the most common Gram-negative isolates. The majority of BSI episodes occurred in patients with haematological malignancies (74%), in the presence of severe neutropenia (76.4%), and were associated with chemotherapy (88%). Complications occurred in 14% of BSI. Fungal infections had the highest prevalence of complications (21.4%). Three children died during BSI, giving a case-fatality rate of 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

BSI in these patients was caused mainly by Gram-positive bacteria and was associated with a low case-fatality rate. These results are consistent with worldwide experience of BSI in paediatric oncology.

Changes in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Among Children With Immune Compromised Conditions: An 11-Year Review

This article describes changes in central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates among common causative organisms over an 11-year period on a pediatric inpatient unit prior to and following CLABSI reduction strategies. The setting for this descriptive cohort design study was a 32-bed inpatient unit in a tertiary pediatric hospital serving children with immune compromised conditions, including cancer and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplants. Between January 2006 and December 2016, 265 CLABSIs involving 189 patients were reported. Data were organized into three time periods: 5-year preintervention baseline (2006-2010), implementation of maintenance care bundles (2011-2012), and addition of formalized supportive care practices to the maintenance care bundles (2013-2016). Organisms were categorized into four groups based on the National Health Safety Network organism list. Time-by-class Poisson regression models evaluated changes in CLABSI rates. Characteristics of patients who developed CLABSIs were unchanged. Infections occurred most frequently among patients with hematologic malignancies and neutropenia. Significant log rate decreases in CLABSI rates were observed with the implementation of maintenance care bundles plus enhanced supportive cares compared to preintervention baseline for the following organisms: (1) common commensal organisms (-1.05, p = .005), (2) mucosal barrier injury (MBI) organisms common to the mouth (-.708, p = .007), and (3) other noncommensal/non-MBI pathogens (-.77, p = .005). Rates were unchanged for MBI organisms common to the lower gastrointestinal tract. Central line maintenance care bundles and formalized supportive care practices resulted in sustained decreased CLABSI rates. Additional interventions are needed to reduce CLABSIs involving MBI-associated organisms common to the lower gastrointestinal tract.