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Lam JC, Bourassa-Blanchette S. Ten Clinical Pearls in Microbiology: How Effective Collaboration Optimizes Patient Care. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00333-4. [PMID: 38782247 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Medical microbiology laboratories play an essential role in patient care-appertaining to infectious diseases diagnostics and treatment, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Collaboration between clinicians and the microbiology laboratory can promote and enhance the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. We review practical, evidence-informed core concepts to explicate how effective partnership between clinicians and the microbiology laboratory improves patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Lam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Samuel Bourassa-Blanchette
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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2
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Pilkington E, Goncalves R, Henze L, Grapes N, Volk H, De Decker S. Determining the prevalence and risk factors for positive bacterial culture in canine discospondylitis: 120 cases. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e3053. [PMID: 37211971 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of the aetiologic agent in canine discospondylitis is infrequent; and risk factors for a positive bacterial culture have not previously been reported. METHODS Medical records at three institutions were searched to identify clinical features of dogs with discospondylitis diagnosed via radiography or cross-sectional imaging. Inclusion in this retrospective case-control study required culture of one or more samples. Multivariable binary logistic regression identified features associated with a positive culture. RESULTS Fifty (42%) of 120 dogs had one or more positive culture results obtained from either urine (28/115), blood (25/78), intervertebral disc aspiration (10/34) or cerebrospinal fluid (1/18). A positive culture was associated with higher bodyweight (p = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] = 1.054, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.019-1.089), more sample types cultured (p = 0.037, OR = 1.806, 95% CI: 1.037-3.147) and institution (p = 0.021). The presence of possibly associated preceding events (e.g., surgery), pyrexia, number of disc sites affected and serum C-reactive protein result, among other features, were not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS All isolates cultured were included since differentiation of true aetiologic agents from contaminants was not possible without histological confirmation and culture from surgical or postmortem biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Clinical features typically associated with infection were not identified as risk factors for positive culture in canine discospondylitis. The statistical significance of the institution suggests that standardisation of sampling protocols is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Pilkington
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rita Goncalves
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lea Henze
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nick Grapes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Holger Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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3
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Cao Y, Jiang T, Lin Y, Fang X, Ding P, Song H, Li P, Li Y. Time-series prediction and detection of potential pathogens in bloodstream infection using mcfDNA sequencing. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1144625. [PMID: 37249984 PMCID: PMC10213887 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1144625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Next-generation sequencing of microbial cell free DNA (mcfDNA-seq) has emerged as a promising diagnostic method for blood stream infection (BSI) and offers the potential to detect pathogens before blood culture. However, its application is limited by a lack of clinical validation. Methods We conducted sequential mcfDNA-seq on blood samples from ICU participants at high risk of BSI due to pneumonia, or intravascular catheterization; and explored whether mcfDNA-seq could diagnose and detect pathogens in advance of blood culture positivity. Blood culture results were used as evaluation criteria. Results A total of 111 blood samples were collected during the seven days preceding and on the day of onset of 16 BSI episodes from 13 participants. The diagnostic and total predictive sensitivity of mcfDNA-seq were 90% and 87.5%, respectively. The proportion of pathogenic bacteria was relatively high in terms of both diagnosis and prediction. The reads per million of etiologic agents trended upwards in the days approaching the onset of BSI. Discussion Our work found that mcfDNA-seq has high diagnostic sensitivity and could be used to identify pathogens before the onset of BSI, which could help expand the clinical application of mcfDNA-seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, An Hui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Biosecurity Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Lin
- Biosecurity Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, An Hui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Biosecurity Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Li
- Biosecurity Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Foong KS, Munigala S, Kern-Allely S, Warren DK. Blood culture utilization practices among febrile and/or hypothermic inpatients. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:779. [PMID: 36217111 PMCID: PMC9552399 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Predictors associated with the decision of blood culture ordering among hospitalized patients with abnormal body temperature are still underexplored, particularly non-clinical factors. In this study, we evaluated the factors affecting blood culture ordering in febrile and hypothermic inpatients. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 15,788 adult inpatients with fever (≥ 38.3℃) or hypothermia (< 36.0℃) from January 2016 to December 2017. We evaluated the proportion of febrile and hypothermic episodes with an associated blood culture performed within 24h. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine independent predictors associated with blood culture ordering among febrile and hypothermic inpatients. Results We identified 21,383 abnormal body temperature episodes among 15,788 inpatients (13,093 febrile and 8,290 hypothermic episodes). Blood cultures were performed in 36.7% (7,850/ 21,383) of these episodes. Predictors for blood culture ordering among inpatients with abnormal body temperature included fever ≥ 39℃ (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 4.17, 95% confident interval [CI] 3.91–4.46), fever (aOR 3.48, 95% CI 3.27–3.69), presence of a central venous catheter (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.30–1.43), systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) plus hypotension (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.26–1.40), SIRS (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20–1.31), admission to stem cell transplant / medical oncology services (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.14), and detection of abnormal body temperature during night shift (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09) or on the weekend (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08). Conclusion Blood culture ordering for hospitalized patients with fever or hypothermia is multifactorial; both clinical and non-clinical factors. These wide variations and gaps in practices suggest opportunities to improve utilization patterns. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07748-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kap Sum Foong
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine Hospital Epidemiologist, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, 63110, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Satish Munigala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine Hospital Epidemiologist, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, 63110, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie Kern-Allely
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David K Warren
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine Hospital Epidemiologist, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, 63110, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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5
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Giancola S, Hart KA. Equine blood cultures: Can we do better? Equine Vet J 2022. [PMID: 36210694 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood culture is considered the gold standard test for documenting bacteraemia in patients with suspected bacterial sepsis in veterinary and human medicine. However, blood culture often fails to yield bacterial growth even though the clinical picture is strongly suggestive of bacterial sepsis, or contaminating organisms can overgrow the true pathogen, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this life-threatening condition very challenging. Methodology for collecting blood cultures in equine medicine, and even in human hospitals, is not standardised, and many variables can affect the yield and type of microorganisms cultured. Microbiological culture techniques used in the laboratory and specific sample collection techniques, including volume of blood collected, aseptic technique utilised, and the site, timing and frequency of sample collection, all have substantial impact on the accuracy of blood culture results. In addition, patient-specific factors such as husbandry factors, the anatomical site of the primary infection, and changing microflora in different geographic locations, also can impact blood cultures. Thus, blood cultures obtained in practice may not always accurately define the presence or absence of, or specific organisms causing, bacteraemia in horses and foals with suspected sepsis. Erroneous blood culture results can lead to inappropriate antimicrobial use, which can result in poor outcomes for individual patients and contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance in the patient's microflora and the environmental microcosm. This review summarises current indications and methodology, and specific factors that may be optimised, for equine blood culture, with particular focus on available literature from neonatal foals with suspected bacterial sepsis. To standardise and optimise blood culture techniques in horses and foals, future research in this area should be aimed at determining the optimal volume of blood that should be collected for culture, and the ideal site, timing, and frequency of sample collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyla Giancola
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelsey A Hart
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
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6
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Fabre V, Jones GF, Hsu YJ, Carroll KC, Cosgrove SE. To wait or not to wait: Optimal time interval between the first and second blood-culture sets to maximize blood-culture yield. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2022; 2:e51. [PMID: 36310816 PMCID: PMC9614788 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The optimal timing of blood culture (BCx) sets collection has not been evaluated with continuous BCx detection systems. The yield of BCx was similar between short intervals (median, 3 minutes) and longer intervals (median, 16 or 43 minutes) among 5,856 BCx, except for improved polymicrobial bacteremia detection with long-interval BCx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Fabre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - George F. Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yea-Jen Hsu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg of School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karen C. Carroll
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sara E. Cosgrove
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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7
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Fabre V, Carroll KC, Cosgrove SE. Blood Culture Utilization in the Hospital Setting: a Call for Diagnostic Stewardship. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0100521. [PMID: 34260274 PMCID: PMC8925908 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01005-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been significant progress in detection of bloodstream pathogens in recent decades with the development of more sensitive automated blood culture detection systems and the availability of rapid molecular tests for faster organism identification and detection of resistance genes. However, most blood cultures in clinical practice do not grow organisms, suggesting that suboptimal blood culture collection practices (e.g., suboptimal blood volume) or suboptimal selection of patients to culture (i.e., blood cultures ordered for patients with low likelihood of bacteremia) may be occurring. A national blood culture utilization benchmark does not exist, nor do specific guidelines on when blood cultures are appropriate or when blood cultures are of low value and waste resources. Studies evaluating the potential harm associated with excessive blood cultures have focused on blood culture contamination, which has been associated with significant increases in health care costs and negative consequences for patients related to exposure to unnecessary antibiotics and additional testing. Optimizing blood culture performance is important to ensure bloodstream infections (BSIs) are diagnosed while minimizing adverse events from overuse. In this review, we discuss key factors that influence blood culture performance, with a focus on the preanalytical phase, including technical aspects of the blood culture collection process and blood culture indications. We highlight areas for improvement and make recommendations to improve current blood culture practices among hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Fabre
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Karen C. Carroll
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara E. Cosgrove
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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8
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Brink AJ, Centner CM, Opperman S. Microbiology Assessments in Critically Ill Patients. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:75-96. [PMID: 35172360 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of suspected or proven infections in critically ill patients is high, with a substantial attributable risk to in-hospital mortality. Coordinated guidance and interventions to improve the appropriate microbiological assessment for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are therefore pivotal. Conventional microbiology follows the paradigm of "best practice" of specimen selection and collection, governed by laboratory processing and standard operating procedures, and informed by the latest developments and trends. In this regard, the preanalytical phase of a microbiological diagnosis is crucial since inadequate sampling may result in the incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate management. In addition, the isolation and detection of contaminants interfere with multiple intensive care unit (ICU) processes, which confound the therapeutic approach to critically ill patients. To facilitate bedside enablement, the microbiology laboratory should provide expedited feedback, reporting, and interpretation of results. Compared with conventional microbiology, novel rapid and panel-based diagnostic strategies have the clear advantages of a rapid turnaround time, the detection of many microorganisms including antimicrobial resistant determinants and thus promise substantial improvements in health care. However, robust data on the clinical evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests in presumed sepsis, sepsis and shock are extremely limited and more rigorous intervention studies, focusing on direct benefits for critically ill patients, are pivotal before widespread adoption of their use through the continuum of ICU stay. Advocating the use of these diagnostics without firmly establishing which patients would benefit most, how to interpret the results, and how to treat according to the results obtained, could in fact be counterproductive with regards to diagnostic "best practice" and antimicrobial stewardship. Thus, for the present, they may supplement but not yet supplant conventional microbiological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian John Brink
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chad M Centner
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Opperman
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Epidemiology and outcome of occult bacteremia in patients discharged from emergency departments or ambulatory units: one-year study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 41:649-655. [PMID: 35150380 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-022-04419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Microbiological diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI) is made several hours after blood culture sampling. This delay could be critical in ambulatory clinics, emergency departments, and hospital day care units, as the patient may be discharged prior to blood culture positivity. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical outcome (including the number of readmissions) of patients diagnosed with BSI after discharge. We prospectively included all adult patients with positive blood culture for BSI that was confirmed after discharge from our center (Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital) in 2016. Patients were contacted about their blood culture results, and their clinical status was controlled via an external consultation or their family physician, with hospital readmission if necessary. Clinical outcome, accuracy of initial diagnosis, microbiological epidemiology, and antibiotic prescription were assessed. In 2016, 1433 episodes of positive blood culture were detected in our hospital, with 50 (3.5%) occurring after patient discharge. Clinically relevant bacteria were determined in 32/50 cases (64%), while other positive blood culture results were considered to be contaminants. Clinical reevaluation was performed in 45 patients (90%). The diagnosis was changed during the clinical reassessment of 24/49 patients (49%). Antibiotics were prescribed prior to discharge for 24/50 patients (48%), modified during follow-up for 15/45 (33%), and initiated for 13/45 (29%) at the reevaluation. Overall, 24/45 (53%) patients were readmitted to hospital units after reevaluation. The clinical follow-up of patients with positive blood culture after discharge led to diagnostic changes and hospital readmission in around half of patients.
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Alonso-Menchén D, Muñoz P, Sánchez-Carrillo C, Pérez-Latorre L, Bouza E. Unresolved issues in the epidemiology and diagnosis of bacteremia: an opinion paper. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2022; 35:519-537. [PMID: 35892171 PMCID: PMC9728596 DOI: 10.37201/req/066.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and, despite the diagnostic and therapeutic advances of the last decades, the evidence supporting many diagnostic aspects of bacteremia is scarce. Information on the epidemiological evolution of this entity is limited and many methodological aspects of blood culture collection and analysis are under discussion. Furthermore, the recommendations of the main scientific societies on many of these aspects are variable and, in many cases, have not been updated recently. In this scenario, we have arranged a series of questions on different aspects of bacteremia and reviewed the literature trying to find proper answers for them. We offer our opinion on the topics where the evidence was weak. The topics covered include epidemiological aspects of bacteremia, indications for blood culture extraction, methods for obtaining and incubating samples, or ways of transmitting results from the microbiology laboratory. We do not intend to summarize the current clinical practice guidelines, nor will we deal with the therapeutic management of this entity. The aim of this paper is to review the current perspective on the diagnosis of bacteremia with a critical approach, to point out the gaps in the literature, to offer the opinion of a team dedicated to infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, and to identify some areas of knowledge on which future studies should focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alonso-Menchén
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón,,Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute,Correspondence: David Alonso Menchén, MD. Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Calle Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain. E-mail:
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón,,Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute,Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid,,CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Carrillo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón,,Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute
| | - Leire Pérez-Latorre
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón,,Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute,CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas-CIBERINFEC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón,,Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute,Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid,,CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Jing C, Chen H, Liang Y, Zhong Y, Wang Q, Li L, Sun S, Guo Y, Wang R, Jiang Z, Wang H. Clinical Evaluation of an Improved Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Test for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections. Clin Chem 2021; 67:1133-1143. [PMID: 34060627 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of plasma cell-free DNA has emerged as a promising diagnostic technology for bloodstream infections. However, a major limitation of current mNGS assays is the high rate of false-positive results due to contamination. METHODS We made novel use of 3 control groups-external negative controls under long-term surveillance, blood samples with a negative result in conventional tests, and a group of healthy people-that were combined and dedicated to distinguishing contaminants arising from specimen collection, sample processing, and human normal flora. We also proposed novel markers to filter out false-positive interspecies calls. This workflow was applied retrospectively to 209 clinical plasma samples from patients with suspected bloodstream infections. Every pathogen identified by the mNGS test was reviewed to assess the diagnostic performance of the workflow. RESULTS Our mNGS workflow showed clinical sensitivity of 87.1%, clinical specificity of 80.2%, positive predictive value of 77.9%, and negative predictive value of 88.6% compared with the composite reference standard. Notably, mNGS showed great improvement in clinical specificity compared with the current test while keeping clinical sensitivity at a high level. CONCLUSION The mNGS workflow with multiple control groups dedicated to distinguishing nonpathogen microbes from real causal pathogens has reducing false-positive results. This contribution, with its optimization of workflow and careful use of controls, can help mNGS become a powerful tool for identifying the pathogens responsible for bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Qi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Shijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Hui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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De Plato F, Fontana C, Gherardi G, Privitera GP, Puro V, Rigoli R, Viaggi B, Viale P. Collection, transport and storage procedures for blood culture specimens in adult patients: recommendations from a board of Italian experts. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 57:1680-1689. [PMID: 31348753 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2018-1146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a potentially life-threatening condition. The gold standard for the diagnosis of BSI is still blood cultures (BCs), and the diagnostic yield depends on clinical and technical factors that have an impact on collection and transportation. Hence, monitoring of the entire pre-analytical process from blood collection to transportation to the microbiology laboratory is critical. To optimize the clinical impact of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a multidisciplinary approach and univocal protocols are mandatory. A board of specialists discussed the available evidence on the pre-analytical process and produced the present document to guide physicians and nurses on the ideal execution of BC: (1) timing and preparation for blood collection; (2) skin antisepsis; (3) blood volume; (4) sampling method and safety; (5) medium to be used; (6) time to BC transportation; and (7) quality assurance and quality management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Plato
- Società Italiana Farmacologia Ospedaliera, Milan, Italy; and Local Health Authority ASL of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Carla Fontana
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Polyclinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gherardi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, University Campus Biomedico, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pierpaolo Privitera
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,University Hygiene and Epidemiology Complex Operative Unit and Clinical Risk Functional Area Coordinator, University Hospital Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Rigoli
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Local Health and Social Care Facility, No. 2, Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Bruno Viaggi
- Neuroanesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Viale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Draenert R, Jung N. [Choosing Wisely in Infectious Diseases - important recommendations for daily life in medicine]. MMW Fortschr Med 2020; 162:53-56. [PMID: 32248469 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-020-0342-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rika Draenert
- Leitung Antibiotic Stewardship-Team, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377, München, Deutschland.
| | - Norma Jung
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland
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Draenert R, Jung N. Update on the "Choosing Wisely" initiative in infectious diseases in Germany. Infection 2020; 48:317-321. [PMID: 32157610 PMCID: PMC7256090 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The Choosing Wisely® initiative is an international campaign addressing over- and underuse of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in infectious diseases among others. Since 2016, the German Society for Infectious Diseases (DGI) has constantly designed new items in this regard. Here we report the most recent recommendations. Methods The recommendations of the DGI are part of the “Klug entscheiden” initiative of the German Society of Internal Medicine (DGIM). Topics for the new items were suggested by members of the DGI, checked for scientific evidence and consented within the DGI and the DGIM before publication. Results The new recommendations are: (1) individuals with immune-suppression, advanced liver cirrhosis or renal insufficiency should receive a dual pneumococcal vaccination. (2) In case of positive blood cultures with Candida spp. thorough diagnostics and treatment should be initiated. (3) In case of suspected meningitis, adult patients should receive dexamethasone and antibiotics immediately after venipuncture for blood cultures and before potential imaging. (4) In case of suspected meningitis a CT scan before lumbar puncture should not be ordered—except for symptoms indicating high CSF pressure or focal brain pathology or in cases of severe immune-suppression. (5) In patients with suspected severe infections, a minimum of two pairs of blood cultures should be drawn using separate venipunctures prior to antibiotic therapy—regardless of body temperature. There is no need of a minimum time interval in between the blood draws. Conclusion Applying these new Choosing Wisely® recommendations will increase patient safety and the value of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Draenert
- LMU Klinikum, Stabsstelle Antibiotic Stewardship, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Norma Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Rothe K, Spinner CD, Ott A, Querbach C, Dommasch M, Aldrich C, Gebhardt F, Schneider J, Schmid RM, Busch DH, Katchanov J. Strategies for increasing diagnostic yield of community-onset bacteraemia within the emergency department: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222545. [PMID: 31513683 PMCID: PMC6742407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with high mortality. Therefore, reliable methods of detection are of paramount importance. Efficient strategies to improve diagnostic yield of bacteraemia within the emergency department (ED) are needed. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all ED encounters in a high-volume, city-centre university hospital within Germany during a five-year study period from October 2013 to September 2018. A time-series analysis was conducted for all ED encounters in which blood cultures (BCs) were collected. BC detection rates and diagnostic yield of community-onset bacteraemia were compared during the study period (which included 45 months prior to the start of a new diagnostic Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) bundle and 15 months following its implementation). BCs were obtained from 5,191 out of 66,879 ED admissions (7.8%). Bacteraemia was detected in 1,013 encounters (19.5% of encounters where BCs were obtained). The overall yield of true bacteraemia (defined as yielding clinically relevant pathogens) was 14.4%. The new ABS-related diagnostic protocol resulted in an increased number of hospitalised patients with BCs collected in the ED (18% compared to 12.3%) and a significant increase in patients with two or more BC sets taken (59% compared to 25.4%), which resulted in an improved detection rate of true bacteraemia (2.5% versus 1.8% of hospital admissions) without any decrease in diagnostic yield. This simultaneous increase in BC rates without degradation of yield was a valuable finding that indicated success of this strategy. Thus, implementation of the new diagnostic ABS bundle within the ED, which included the presence of a skilled infectious disease (ID) team focused on obtaining BCs, appeared to be a valuable tool for the accurate and timely detection of community-onset bacteraemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Rothe
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christoph D. Spinner
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Armin Ott
- Technical University of Munich, Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics, and Epidemiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Querbach
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Pharmacy Department, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Dommasch
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Medicine I, Munich, Germany
| | - Cassandra Aldrich
- Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedemann Gebhardt
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Schneider
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland M. Schmid
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Juri Katchanov
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Medicine II, Munich, Germany
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Alsfeld LC, Rockey DC. Utility of Routine Blood Cultures for Inpatient Hematology/Oncology Patients Receiving Antimicrobials. Am J Med Sci 2019; 358:175-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Wilson ML. Critical factors in the recovery of pathogenic microorganisms in blood. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 26:174-179. [PMID: 31377231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The critical factors for optimal recovery of microbial pathogens from blood are not only the basis for how we perform blood cultures on a daily basis, but are also important for development of all current blood-culture systems. Because much of this research was conducted and published between 1975 and 2010 there is a general sense that many physicians and scientists may not be familiar with it, but it is critical for performing and interpreting blood cultures. OBJECTIVES To review the critical factors in the laboratory recovery and isolation of pathogenic microorganisms in blood. SOURCES Literature review of published papers, select reviews and updated guidelines. CONTENT This review focuses on the critical factors that affect the recovery isolation of pathogenic microorganisms from individuals with bloodstream infections. Contemporary blood-culture systems, and current methods for blood-culture collection, have been designed to incorporate these critical factors so as to optimize recovery and isolation of pathogens while minimizing contamination. IMPLICATIONS It is important for microbiologists and practitioners to understand how and why these critical factors affect current blood-culture practices to improve patient management. Future research should emphasize which of these critical factors will still play a role in the era of molecular diagnostic tests, which will no longer be relevant, and which new critical factors have yet to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Wilson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Services, Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Howard-Anderson J, Schwab KE, Chang S, Wilhalme H, Graber CJ, Quinn R. Internal medicine residents' evaluation of fevers overnight. Diagnosis (Berl) 2019; 6:157-163. [PMID: 30875319 PMCID: PMC6541517 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2018-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Scant data exists to guide the work-up for fever in hospitalized patients, and little is known about what diagnostic tests medicine residents order for such patients. We sought to analyze how cross-covering medicine residents address fever and how sign-out systems affect their response. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate febrile episodes that residents responded to overnight. Primary outcomes included diagnostic tests ordered, if an in-person evaluation occurred, and the effect of sign-out instructions that advised a "full fever work-up" (FFWU). Results Investigators reviewed 253 fevers in 155 patients; sign-out instructions were available for 204 fevers. Residents evaluated the patient in person in 29 (11%) episodes. The most common tests ordered were: blood cultures (48%), urinalysis (UA) with reflex culture (34%), and chest X-ray (30%). If the sign-out advised an FFWU, residents were more likely to order blood cultures [odds ratio (OR) 14.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.52-28.90], UA with reflex culture (OR 12.07, 95% CI 5.56-23.23), chest X-ray (OR 16.55, 95% CI 7.03-39.94), lactate (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.47-7.55), and complete blood count (CBC) (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.17-8.51). In a multivariable regression, predictors of the number of tests ordered included hospital location, resident training level, timing of previous blood culture, in-person evaluation, escalation to a higher level of care, and sign-out instructions. Conclusions Sign-out instructions and a few patient factors significantly impacted cross-cover resident diagnostic test ordering for overnight fevers. This practice can be targeted in resident education to improve diagnostic reasoning and stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howard-Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Kristin E. Schwab
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandy Chang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Holly Wilhalme
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J. Graber
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; and Infectious Diseases Section, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roswell Quinn
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; and Hospitalist Division of the Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ombelet S, Barbé B, Affolabi D, Ronat JB, Lompo P, Lunguya O, Jacobs J, Hardy L. Best Practices of Blood Cultures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:131. [PMID: 31275940 PMCID: PMC6591475 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSI) have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite scarcity of data from many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is increasing awareness of the importance of BSI in these countries. For example, it is estimated that the global mortality of non-typhoidal Salmonella bloodstream infection in children under 5 already exceeds that of malaria. Reliable and accurate diagnosis of these infections is therefore of utmost importance. Blood cultures are the reference method for diagnosis of BSI. LMICs face many challenges when implementing blood cultures, due to financial, logistical, and infrastructure-related constraints. This review aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of sampling and processing of blood cultures, with emphasis on its use in LMICs. Laboratory processing of blood cultures is relatively straightforward and can be done without the need for expensive and complicated equipment. Automates for incubation and growth monitoring have become the standard in high-income countries (HICs), but they are still too expensive and not sufficiently robust for imminent implementation in most LMICs. Therefore, this review focuses on "manual" methods of blood culture, not involving automated equipment. In manual blood cultures, a bottle consisting of a broth medium supporting bacterial growth is incubated in a normal incubator and inspected daily for signs of growth. The collection of blood for blood culture is a crucial step in the process, as the sensitivity of blood cultures depends on the volume sampled; furthermore, contamination of the blood culture (accidental inoculation of environmental and skin bacteria) can be avoided by appropriate antisepsis. In this review, we give recommendations regarding appropriate blood culture sampling and processing in LMICs. We present feasible methods to detect and speed up growth and discuss some challenges in implementing blood cultures in LMICs, such as the biosafety aspects, supply chain and waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien Ombelet
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara Barbé
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire—Hubert Koutoucou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Palpouguini Lompo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- National Institute for Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Medical Biology, Cliniques Universitaires, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Hardy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Shim BS, Yoon YH, Kim JY, Cho YD, Park SJ, Lee ES, Choi SH. Clinical Value of Whole Blood Procalcitonin Using Point of Care Testing, Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, C-Reactive Protein and Lactate in Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Infection. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E833. [PMID: 31212806 PMCID: PMC6617302 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the clinical value of whole blood procalcitonin using point of care testing, quick sequential organ failure assessment score, C-reactive protein and lactate in emergency department patients with suspected infection and assessed the accuracy of the whole blood procalcitonin test by point-of-care testing. Participants were randomly selected from emergency department patients who complained of a febrile sense, had suspected infection and underwent serum procalcitonin testing. Whole blood procalcitonin levels by point-of-care testing were compared with serum procalcitonin test results from the laboratory. Participants were divided into two groups-those with bacteremia and those without bacteremia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of procalcitonin, lactate and Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment scores were investigated in each group. Area under receiving operating curve of C-reactive protein, lactate and procalcitonin for predicting bacteremia and 28-day mortality were also evaluated. Whole blood procalcitonin had an excellent correlation with serum procalcitonin. The negative predictive value of procalcitonin and lactate was over 90%. Area under receiving operating curve results proved whole blood procalcitonin to be fair in predicting bacteremia or 28-day mortality. In the emergency department, point-of-care testing of whole blood procalcitonin is as accurate as laboratory testing. Moreover, procalcitonin is a complementing test together with lactate for predicting 28-days mortality and bacteremia for patients with suspected infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Sun Shim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Young-Hoon Yoon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung-Youn Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Young-Duck Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sung-Jun Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Eu-Sun Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sung-Hyuk Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 08308 Seoul, Korea.
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Nannan Panday RS, Wang S, van de Ven PM, Hekker TAM, Alam N, Nanayakkara PWB. Evaluation of blood culture epidemiology and efficiency in a large European teaching hospital. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214052. [PMID: 30897186 PMCID: PMC6428292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood cultures remain the gold standard for detecting bacteremia despite their limitations. The current practice of blood culture collection is still inefficient with low yields. Limited focus has been given to the association between timing of specimen collection at different time points during admission and their yield. Methods We carried out a retrospective observational study by analyzing all 3,890 sets of cultures collected from the 1,962 admitted patients over the seven-month period of this study. We compared the blood culture yield between the early group (≤24 hours after admission) and the late group (> 24 hours of admission). We also investigated the effect of prehospital oral antibiotics and pre-analytical time on the first cultures in the emergency department. Epidemiology and efficiency of blood cultures were studied for each medical specialty. Results In total, 3,349(86.1%) blood cultures were negative and 541(13.9%) were positive for one or more microorganisms. After correcting for contamination, the overall yield was 290 (7.5%). The early group (n = 1,490) yielded significantly more true-positive cultures (10.1% versus 5.8%, P<0.001) than the late group (n = 2,400). The emergency department had a significantly higher yield than general wards, 11.2% versus 5.7% (p<0.001). Prehospital oral antibiotic use and pre-analytical time did not affect the yield of first cultures at the emergency department (p = 0.735 and 0.816 respectively). The number of tests needed to obtain one true-positive culture varied between departments, ranging from 7 to 45. Conclusion This study showed that blood cultures are inefficient in detecting bacteremia. Cultures collected during 24 hours after admission yielded more positive results than those collected later. Significant variations in blood culture epidemiology and efficiency per specialty suggest that guidelines should be reevaluated. Future studies should aim at improving blood culture yield, implementing educational programs to reduce contamination and cost-effective application of modern molecular diagnostic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. S. Nannan Panday
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Acute Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center and Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S. Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Acute Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P. M. van de Ven
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T. A. M. Hekker
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N. Alam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Acute Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P. W. B. Nanayakkara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Acute Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Choi ECE, Chia YH, Koh YQ, Lim CZQ, Lim JC, Ooi SBS, Ibrahim I, Kuan WS. Appropriateness of blood culture: A comparison of practices between the emergency department and general wards. Infect Dis Health 2019; 24:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define clinical features of surgical patients in whom postoperative blood cultures are likely to identify pathogens. BACKGROUND Bacteremia is a worrisome postoperative complication and blood cultures (BCx) are routinely used for evaluation of postoperative bacteremia, but are costly and not always diagnostic. Better methods are needed to select patients in whom BCx identify pathogens. METHODS We reviewed records of patients ≥18 years old with BCx drawn ≤10 days after surgery in 2013 seeking independent predictors of positive cultures by simple and multiple logistic regression models with statistical significance at α = 0.05. RESULTS Of 1804 BCx, excluding contaminants yielded 1780 cultures among 746 patients for analysis. The yield was low, with only 4% identifying potential pathogens. Positive BCx were most common after cardiac, ear/nose/throat, obstetric, and urologic procedures [odds ratio (OR) =10.3, P < 0.001 vs low-yield procedures: eg, gynecologic, neurosurgical, plastic surgical, podiatric, transplant]. Cultures more often grew pathogens when drawn in association with higher peak temperature (Tmax, P = 0.001) and longer interval from procedure to Tmax (P = 0.001). Antibiotic therapy at time of culture reduced yield (2.9% with vs 5.5% without antibiotics, P = 0.007). Multivariable logistic regression analysis found antibiotics at culture, procedure specialty, Tmax, and postoperative timing of Tmax were associated with blood culture results. CONCLUSIONS Ordering blood cultures based on fever or another single predictor inconsistently identifies pathogens. Our dataset, the largest available, identify clinical predictors in the first 10 postoperative days to guide identification of patients with bacteremia.
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McKenzie GAG. Evidence-based out-of-hours hospital medicine. Postgrad Med J 2018; 94:588-595. [PMID: 30373909 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2017-135049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Out-of-hours (OOH) hospital ward cover is generally provided by junior doctors and is typified by heavy workloads, reduced staff numbers and various non-urgent nurse-initiated requests. The present inefficiencies and management problems with the OOH service are reflected by the high number of quality improvement projects recently published. In this narrative review, five common situations peculiar to the OOH general ward setting are discussed with reference to potential areas of inefficiency and unnecessary management steps: (1) prescription of hypnotics and sedatives; (2) overnight fluid therapy; (3) fever; (4) overnight hypotension and (5) chasing outstanding routine diagnostic tests. It is evident that research and consensus guidelines for many clinical situations in the OOH setting are a neglected arena. Many recommendations made herein are based on expert opinion or first principles. In contrast, the management of significant abnormalities in outstanding blood results is based on well-established guidelines using high-quality systematic reviews.
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Murni IK, Duke T, Daley AJ, Kinney S, Soenarto Y. True Pathogen or Contamination: Validation of Blood Cultures for the Diagnosis of Nosocomial Infections in a Developing Country. J Trop Pediatr 2018; 64:389-394. [PMID: 29177467 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmx081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood culture results are frequently used to guide antibiotic decision-making, but culture contaminants need to be distinguished from true pathogens. AIMS To assess the contamination rate of blood cultures and validate a method to distinguish between true bacteraemia and contamination. METHODS We analysed blood culture results from children who were admitted to the paediatric ICU and paediatric wards at the Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia between December 2010 and February 2013. For each positive culture result, the type of isolated organism, time to positivity, and the number of positive culture sites were considered to classify the isolate as representing a true bacteraemia or contaminant. RESULTS There were 1293 cultures obtained from blood and 308 (23.8%) were positive for bacterial growth. Fifty-three (4.1%) of the total cultures drawn fulfilled criteria for contaminants. The most common blood culture contaminants were coagulase-negative staphylococci. CONCLUSION Using standardized criteria, it is possible to implement a working method to identify true nosocomial infection from blood culture contaminant, and thus limit the effect of contaminated blood culture on irrational antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indah K Murni
- Department of Paediatrics, DR. Sardjito Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Trevor Duke
- Department of Paediatrics, Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, MCRI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Daley
- Laboratory Services, Infection Prevention and Control, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Kinney
- Department of Paediatrics and Nursing, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yati Soenarto
- Department of Paediatrics, DR. Sardjito Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Prescribers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about blood culturing practices for adult hospitalized patients: a call for action. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018; 39:1394-1396. [PMID: 30226121 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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High positivity of blood cultures obtained within two hours after shaking chills. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 76:23-28. [PMID: 30059771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the time lag between blood culture draw and the start of shaking chills is associated with blood culture positivity. METHODS A prospective observational study was undertaken from January 2013 to March 2015 at a referral center in Okinawa, Japan. All enrolled patients were adults with an episode of shaking chills who were newly admitted to the division of infectious diseases. The study exposure was the time lag between blood culture draw and the most recent episode of shaking chills. RESULTS Among patients whose blood cultures were obtained within 2h after shaking chills started, the blood culture positivity was 53.6% (52/97), whereas among patients whose blood cultures were obtained after more than 2h, the positivity was 37.6% (44/117) (p=0.019). The adjusted odds ratio of blood culture positivity for samples drawn within 2h after shaking chills was 1.88 (95% confidence interval 1.01-3.51, p=0.046). Escherichia coli were the most frequently detected bacteria (58/105). CONCLUSIONS The positivity of blood cultures obtained within 2h after the start of the most recent shaking chills was higher than that for blood cultures obtained after 2h.
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Long B, Koyfman A. Infectious endocarditis: An update for emergency clinicians. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 36:1686-1692. [PMID: 30001813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.06.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a potentially deadly disease without therapy and can cause a wide number of findings and symptoms, often resembling a flu-like illness, which makes diagnosis difficult. OBJECTIVE This narrative review evaluates the presentation, evaluation, and management of infective endocarditis in the emergency department, based on the most current literature. DISCUSSION IE is due to infection of the endocardial surface, most commonly cardiac valves. Major risk factors include prior endocarditis (the most common risk factor), structural heart damage, IV drug use (IVDU), poor immune function (vasculitis, HIV, diabetes, malignancy), nosocomial (surgical hardware placement, poor surgical technique, hematoma development), and poor oral hygiene, and a wide variety of organisms can cause IE. Patients typically present with flu-like illness. Though fever and murmur occur in the majority of cases, they may not be present at the time of initial presentation. Other findings such as Roth spots, Janeway lesions, Osler nodes, etc. are not common. An important component is consideration of risk factors. A patient with IVDU (past or current use) and fever should trigger consideration of IE. Other keys are multiple sites of infection, poor dentition, and abnormal culture results with atypical organisms. If endocarditis is likely based on history and examination, admission for further evaluation is recommended. Blood cultures and echocardiogram are key diagnostic tests. CONCLUSIONS Emergency physicians should consider IE in the patient with flu-like symptoms and risk factors. Appropriate evaluation and management can significantly reduce disease morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 3841 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States.
| | - Alex Koyfman
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
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Sinha M, Jupe J, Mack H, Coleman TP, Lawrence SM, Fraley SI. Emerging Technologies for Molecular Diagnosis of Sepsis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00089-17. [PMID: 29490932 PMCID: PMC5967692 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00089-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and accurate profiling of infection-causing pathogens remains a significant challenge in modern health care. Despite advances in molecular diagnostic techniques, blood culture analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosing sepsis. However, this method is too slow and cumbersome to significantly influence the initial management of patients. The swift initiation of precise and targeted antibiotic therapies depends on the ability of a sepsis diagnostic test to capture clinically relevant organisms along with antimicrobial resistance within 1 to 3 h. The administration of appropriate, narrow-spectrum antibiotics demands that such a test be extremely sensitive with a high negative predictive value. In addition, it should utilize small sample volumes and detect polymicrobial infections and contaminants. All of this must be accomplished with a platform that is easily integrated into the clinical workflow. In this review, we outline the limitations of routine blood culture testing and discuss how emerging sepsis technologies are converging on the characteristics of the ideal sepsis diagnostic test. We include seven molecular technologies that have been validated on clinical blood specimens or mock samples using human blood. In addition, we discuss advances in machine learning technologies that use electronic medical record data to provide contextual evaluation support for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridu Sinha
- Bioengineering Department, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Julietta Jupe
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hannah Mack
- Bioengineering Department, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Todd P Coleman
- Bioengineering Department, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shelley M Lawrence
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Clinical Translational Research Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephanie I Fraley
- Bioengineering Department, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Clinical Translational Research Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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Shokouhi B, Bookani KR, Ghasemi H, Khalouei M, Rezaei NJ, Samani SM. Diagnostic and prognostic performances of serum procalcitonin in patients with bloodstream infections: A parallel, case-control study comprising adults and elderly. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2017; 63:521-526. [PMID: 28876428 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.63.06.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To examine the diagnostic and prognostic performances of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in adult and elderly patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). Method: A total of 176 patients with culture-proven BSIs and 200 healthy counterparts were studied prospectively. Participants were studied in two adult (age≤65 years, n=92) and elderly (age>65 years, n=84) groups. Admission serum PCT level was measured using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: The mean serum PCT level (in ng/mL) was significantly higher in cases than in controls (0.18 vs. 0.07, p=0.01 in adults; 0.20 vs. 0.07, p=0.002 in elderly). At cut-off values of 0.09 ng/mL in adults and 0.08 ng/mL in the elderly, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 82.6 and 82.0% in adults, and 69.1 and 70.0% in elderly, respectively. At a cut-off value of 0.2 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of serum PCT in predicting 28-day mortality were 81 and 81.7% in adults, and 75 and 80.4% in elderly, respectively. Conclusion: Although admission serum PCT is a sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis of BSIs in patients younger than 65 years old, its short-term prognostic value is comparable between adults and the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Shokouhi
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Ghasemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Khalouei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Javanshir Rezaei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Marco F. Molecular methods for septicemia diagnosis. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2017; 35:586-592. [PMID: 28427796 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Septicemia remains a major cause of hospital mortality. Blood culture remains the best approach to identify the etiological microorganisms when a bloodstream infection is suspected but it takes long time because it relies on bacterial or fungal growth. The introduction in clinical microbiology laboratories of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology, DNA hybridization, microarrays or rapid PCR-based test significantly reduce the time to results. Tests for direct detection in whole blood samples are highly desirable because of their potential to identify bloodstream pathogens without waiting for blood cultures to become positive. Nonetheless, limitations of current molecular diagnostic methods are substantial. This article reviews these new molecular approaches (LightCycler SeptiFast, Magicplex sepsis real time, Septitest, VYOO, PCR/ESI-MS analysis, T2Candida).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Marco
- Servicio de Microbiología, Centro de Diagnóstico Biomédico, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
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Deficits in knowledge, attitude, and practice towards blood culture sampling: results of a nationwide mixed-methods study among inpatient care physicians in Germany. Infection 2017; 45:433-441. [PMID: 28205159 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-0990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blood culture (BC) sampling rates in Germany are considerably lower than recommended. Aim of our study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of physicians in Germany regarding BC diagnostics. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study among physicians working in inpatient care in Germany. Based on the results of qualitative focus groups, a questionnaire-based quantitative study was conducted in 2015-2016. In total, 706 medical doctors and final-year medical students from 11 out of 16 federal states in Germany participated. RESULTS BC sampling was considered an important diagnostic tool by 95% of the participants. However, only 23% of them would collect BCs in three scenarios for which BC ordering is recommended by present guidelines in Germany; almost one out of ten physicians would not have taken blood cultures in any of the three scenarios. The majority of participants (74%) reported not to adhere to the guideline recommendation that blood culture sampling should include at least two blood culture sets from two different injection sites. High routine in blood culture sampling, perceived importance of blood culture diagnostics, the availability of an in-house microbiological lab, and the department the physician worked in were identified as predictors for good blood culture practice. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that there are substantial deficits in BC ordering and the application of guidelines for good BC practice in Germany. Based on these findings, multimodal interventions appear necessary for improving BC diagnostics.
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Long B, Koyfman A. Best Clinical Practice: Blood Culture Utility in the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 2016; 51:529-539. [PMID: 27639424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteremia affects 200,000 patients per year, with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Blood cultures are considered the most sensitive method for detecting bacteremia and are commonly obtained in patients with fever, chills, leukocytosis, focal infections, and sepsis. OBJECTIVE We sought to provide emergency physicians with a review of the literature concerning blood cultures in the emergency department. DISCUSSION The utility of blood cultures has been a focus of controversy, prompting research evaluating effects on patient management. Bacteremia is associated with increased mortality, and blood cultures are often obtained for suspected infection. False-positive blood cultures are associated with harm, including increased duration of stay and cost. This review suggests that blood cultures are not recommended for patients with cellulitis, simple pyelonephritis, and community-acquired pneumonia, because the chance of a false-positive culture is greater than the prevalence of true positive cultures. Blood cultures are recommended for patients with sepsis, meningitis, complicated pyelonephritis, endocarditis, and health care-associated pneumonia. Clinical prediction rules that predict true positive cultures may prove useful. The clinical picture should take precedence. If cultures are obtained, two bottles of ≥7 mL should be obtained from separate peripheral sites. CONCLUSIONS Blood cultures are commonly obtained but demonstrate low yield in cellulitis, simple pyelonephritis, and community-acquired pneumonia. The Shapiro decision rule for predicting true bacteremia does show promise, but clinical gestalt should take precedence. To maximize utility, blood cultures should be obtained before antibiotic therapy begins. At least two blood cultures should be obtained from separate peripheral sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Alex Koyfman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional practice involves obtaining a blood culture during or immediately after a fever to increase diagnostic yield. There are no data to support this practice in children. METHODS Retrospective single-center case-control study of children (0-18 years) who had blood cultures performed as part of routine care. Cases had an a priori defined pathogen isolated from blood culture (n = 410) and were age-matched with contemporaneous controls with a sterile blood culture (n = 410). The predictive value of fever (before and after blood culture), C-reactive protein and hematologic indices were analyzed by multivariate regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) in neonatal, general pediatric and pediatric oncology patients. RESULTS One thousand one hundred seventy-two (6.7%) of 17,607 blood cultures were positive, of which 410 (35%) cultured pathogen(s). Three hundred and twenty four (79%) cases and 275 (67.1%) controls had a fever (≥37.5°C) during the 12 hours pre- or post-collection. Fever 2-6 hours before a blood culture was neither sensitive nor specific for predicting bacteremia in neonatal or pediatric patients and marginally predictive in oncology patients (AUC 0.59-0.63). Cultures obtained 2-6 hours before fever were nonpredictive in neonates (AUC 0.56-0.59), marginally predictive in pediatric patients (AUC 0.64-0.67) and moderately predictive in oncology patients (AUC 0.70). C-reactive protein was marginally predictive in neonates (AUC 0.60). Hematologic indices were nonpredictive in all groups. CONCLUSIONS Fever before obtaining blood culture was neither sensitive nor specific for culture positivity; timing of pediatric blood cultures relative to fever is unimportant. Bacteremia precedes a fever, but this is of limited clinical applicability.
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Kern I, Bartmann CP, Verspohl J, Rohde J, Bienert-Zeit A. Bacteraemia before, during and after tooth extraction in horses in the absence of antimicrobial administration. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:178-182. [PMID: 27062656 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient bacteraemia can occur during tooth extraction in humans, and dogs and can lead to severe infectious sequelae. Several case reports describe distant site infections following equine tooth extraction, but the occurrence of bacteraemia during dental surgery has not been evaluated in the horse. OBJECTIVES To determine if transient bacteraemia occurs during tooth extraction in horses, describe isolated organisms and compare these with those found in the diseased teeth. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, observational study. METHODS Blood was collected aseptically for blood culture before, during and after oral extraction of incisor, canine or cheek teeth from 20 adult horses undergoing dental extraction that had not received antimicrobial agents for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. Bacteria found in blood cultures were compared with those found in swab samples obtained from the extracted teeth. RESULTS Eighteen of 20 horses had positive blood cultures at one or more time points. Streptococcus spp., Actinomyces spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Prevotella spp. were most commonly found. Bacterial genera isolated from swab samples of extracted teeth largely corresponded with those identified in blood cultures. MAIN LIMITATIONS This study was limited by its use of only conventional bacterial culture, the lack of statistical analysis to explore associations between gingiva score and the occurrence of bacteraemia, and the lack of an age-matched control group of horses not undergoing exodontia. CONCLUSIONS Transient bacteraemia of oral origin commonly occurs during dental extraction in horses. As none of the horses developed complications associated with bacteraemia during the observation period after surgery, the significance of this bacteraemia remains uncertain. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting Information.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kern
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - C P Bartmann
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Verspohl
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Rohde
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Bienert-Zeit
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Lamy B, Dargère S, Arendrup MC, Parienti JJ, Tattevin P. How to Optimize the Use of Blood Cultures for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections? A State-of-the Art. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:697. [PMID: 27242721 PMCID: PMC4863885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major cause of death in developed countries and the detection of microorganisms is essential in managing patients. Despite major progress has been made to improve identification of microorganisms, blood culture (BC) remains the gold standard and the first line tool for detecting BSIs. Consensus guidelines are available to ensure optimal BSI procedures, but BC practices often deviate from the recommendations. This review provides an update on clinical and technical issues related to blood collection and to BC performance, with a special focus on the blood sample strategy to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Lamy
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Montpellier Montpellier, France
| | | | - Maiken C Arendrup
- Unit for Mycology, Department of Microbiology & Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut Copenhagen, Denmark
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Linsenmeyer K, Gupta K, Strymish JM, Dhanani M, Brecher SM, Breu AC. Culture if spikes? Indications and yield of blood cultures in hospitalized medical patients. J Hosp Med 2016; 11:336-40. [PMID: 26762577 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although optimal utilization of blood cultures has been studied in populations, including emergency room and intensive care patients, less is known about the use of blood cultures in populations consisting exclusively of patients on a medical service. OBJECTIVE To identify the physician-selected indication and yield of blood cultures ordered after hospitalization to an acute medical service and to identify populations in which blood cultures may not be necessary. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A prospective cohort study was performed at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center from October 1, 2014 through April 15, 2015. Participants included all hospitalized patients on a medical service for whom a blood culture was ordered. MEASUREMENTS The main outcomes were the rate of true positive blood cultures and the predictors of true positive cultures. RESULTS The true positive rate was 3.6% per order. The most common physician-selected indications were fever and leukocytosis, neither of which alone was highly predictive of true positive blood cultures. The only indication significantly associated with a true positive blood culture was "follow-up previous positive" (likelihood ratio [LR]+ 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-6.5). The only clinical predictors were a working diagnosis of bacteremia/endocarditis (LR+ 3.7, 95% CI: 2.5-5.7) and absence of antibiotic exposure within 72 hours of the culture (LR+ 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.9). CONCLUSIONS The rate of true positive blood cultures among patients on a medical service was lower than previously studied. Using objective and easily obtainable clinical characteristics, including antibiotic exposure and working diagnosis, may improve the likelihood of true positive blood cultures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:336-340. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Linsenmeyer
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kalpana Gupta
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Judith M Strymish
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Muhammad Dhanani
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen M Brecher
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony C Breu
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kristóf K, Pongrácz J. Interpretation of Blood Microbiology Results - Function of the Clinical Microbiologist. EJIFCC 2016; 27:147-55. [PMID: 27683527 PMCID: PMC4975230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The proper use and interpretation of blood microbiology results may be one of the most challenging and one of the most important functions of clinical microbiology laboratories. Effective implementation of this function requires careful consideration of specimen collection and processing, pathogen detection techniques, and prompt and precise reporting of identification and susceptibility results. The responsibility of the treating physician is proper formulation of the analytical request and to provide the laboratory with complete and precise patient information, which are inevitable prerequisites of a proper testing and interpretation. The clinical microbiologist can offer advice concerning the differential diagnosis, sampling techniques and detection methods to facilitate diagnosis. Rapid detection methods are essential, since the sooner a pathogen is detected, the better chance the patient has of getting cured. Besides the gold-standard blood culture technique, microbiologic methods that decrease the time in obtaining a relevant result are more and more utilized today. In the case of certain pathogens, the pathogen can be identified directly from the blood culture bottle after propagation with serological or automated/semi-automated systems or molecular methods or with MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time of flight mass spectrometry). Molecular biology methods are also suitable for the rapid detection and identification of pathogens from aseptically collected blood samples. Another important duty of the microbiology laboratory is to notify the treating physician immediately about all relevant information if a positive sample is detected. The clinical microbiologist may provide important guidance regarding the clinical significance of blood isolates, since one-third to one-half of blood culture isolates are contaminants or isolates of unknown clinical significance. To fully exploit the benefits of blood culture and other (non- culture based) diagnoses, the microbiologist and the clinician should interact directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Kristóf
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Department of Laboratory Medicine Nagyvárad tér 4, Floor 11, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
Infective endocarditis occurs worldwide, and is defined by infection of a native or prosthetic heart valve, the endocardial surface, or an indwelling cardiac device. The causes and epidemiology of the disease have evolved in recent decades with a doubling of the average patient age and an increased prevalence in patients with indwelling cardiac devices. The microbiology of the disease has also changed, and staphylococci, most often associated with health-care contact and invasive procedures, have overtaken streptococci as the most common cause of the disease. Although novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have emerged, 1 year mortality has not improved and remains at 30%, which is worse than for many cancers. Logistical barriers and an absence of randomised trials hinder clinical management, and longstanding controversies such as use of antibiotic prophylaxis remain unresolved. In this Seminar, we discuss clinical practice, controversies, and strategies needed to target this potentially devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Cahill
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
Identification of bloodstream infections is among the most critical tasks performed by the clinical microbiology laboratory. While the criteria for achieving an adequate blood culture specimen in adults have been well described, there is much more ambiguity in pediatric populations. This minireview focuses on the available pediatric literature pertaining to the collection of an optimal blood culture specimen, including timing, volume, and bottle selection, as well as rapid diagnostic approaches and their role in the management of pediatric bloodstream infections.
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Altindis M, Koroglu M, Demiray T, Dal T, Ozdemir M, Sengil AZ, Atasoy AR, Doğan M, Cicek AC, Ece G, Kaya S, Iraz M, Gultepe BS, Temiz H, Kandemir I, Aksaray S, Cetinkol Y, Sahin I, Guducuoglu H, Kilic A, Kocoglu E, Gulhan B, Karabay O. A Multicenter Evaluation of Blood Culture Practices, Contamination Rates, and the Distribution of Causative Bacteria. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2016; 9:e29766. [PMID: 27099693 PMCID: PMC4834024 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.29766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of blood culture testing in the diagnosis of bacteremia is limited by contamination. OBJECTIVES In this multicenter study, the aim was to evaluate the contamination rates of blood cultures as well as the parameters that affect the culture results. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sample collection practices and culture data obtained from 16 university/research hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 214,340 blood samples from 43,254 patients admitted to the centers in 2013 were included in this study. The blood culture results were evaluated based on the three phases of laboratory testing: the pre-analytic, the analytic, and the post-analytic phase. RESULTS Blood samples were obtained from the patients through either the peripheral venous route (64%) or an intravascular catheter (36%). Povidone-iodine (60%) or alcohol (40%) was applied to disinfect the skin. Of the 16 centers, 62.5% have no dedicated phlebotomy team, 68.7% employed a blood culture system, 86.7% conducted additional studies with pediatric bottles, and 43.7% with anaerobic bottles. One center maintained a blood culture quality control study. The average growth rate in the bottles of blood cultures during the defined period (1259 - 26,400/year) was 32.3%. Of the growing microorganisms, 67% were causative agents, while 33% were contaminants. The contamination rates of the centers ranged from 1% to 17%. The average growth time for the causative bacteria was 21.4 hours, while it was 36.3 hours for the contaminant bacteria. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (22.45%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (20.11%). Further, the most frequently identified contaminant bacteria were CoNS (44.04%). CONCLUSIONS The high contamination rates were remarkable in this study. We suggest that the hospitals' staff should be better trained in blood sample collection and processing. Sterile glove usage, alcohol usage for disinfection, the presence of a phlebotomy team, and quality control studies may all contribute to decreasing the contamination rates. Health policy makers should therefore provide the necessary financial support to obtain the required materials and equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Altindis
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
- Corresponding author: Mustafa Altindis, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey. Tel: +90-2642957277, Fax: +90-2642956629, E-mail:
| | - Mehmet Koroglu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Tayfur Demiray
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Tuba Dal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozdemir
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Zeki Sengil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Riza Atasoy
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Metin Doğan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Copur Cicek
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Gulfem Ece
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Izmir University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Kaya
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Meryem Iraz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Bezmi Alem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Sumbul Gultepe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Bezmi Alem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Temiz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Idris Kandemir
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Sebahat Aksaray
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpasa Numune Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Cetinkol
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Idris Sahin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Guducuoglu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Yuzuncuyil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kilic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Kocoglu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Baris Gulhan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Oguz Karabay
- Department of Infection Diseases, School of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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Garcia RA, Spitzer ED, Beaudry J, Beck C, Diblasi R, Gilleeny-Blabac M, Haugaard C, Heuschneider S, Kranz BP, McLean K, Morales KL, Owens S, Paciella ME, Torregrosa E. Multidisciplinary team review of best practices for collection and handling of blood cultures to determine effective interventions for increasing the yield of true-positive bacteremias, reducing contamination, and eliminating false-positive central line-associated bloodstream infections. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:1222-37. [PMID: 26298636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A literature search was conducted using keywords for articles published in English from January 1990 to March 2015. Using criteria related to blood culture collection and handling, the search yielded 101 articles. References used also included Microbiology Laboratory standards, guidelines, and textbook information. RESULTS The literature identified diverse and complex issues surrounding blood culture practices, including the impact of false-positive results, laboratory definition of contamination, effect on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting, indications for collecting blood cultures, drawing from venipuncture sites versus intravascular catheters, selection of antiseptics, use of needleless connectors, inoculation of blood culture bottles, and optimizing program management in emergency departments, education, and implementation of bundled practice initiatives. CONCLUSION Hospitals should optimize best practice in the collection, handling, and management of blood culture specimens, an often overlooked but essential component in providing optimal care of patients in all settings and populations, reducing financial burdens, and increasing the accuracy of reportable CLABSI. Although universal concepts exist in blood culture practices, some issues require further research to determine benefit. Institutions undertaking a review of their blood culture programs are encouraged to use a checklist that addresses elements that encompass the research contained in this review.
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Blood culture series benefit may be limited to selected clinical conditions: time to reassess. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:332-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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High medical impact of implementing the new polymeric bead-based BacT/ALERT® FAPlus and FNPlus blood culture bottles in standard care. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:1031-7. [PMID: 25648261 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Blood culture (BC) efficiency is critical for the diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI). We evaluated the impact on standard care of implementing the new BacT/ALERT® FAPlus and FNPlus BC bottles containing antibiotic-binding polymeric beads. We measured positivity rates and time to detection (TTD) during the first 10 months of implementation (PF) and during the previous 10-month period (PS) during which we were using standard aerobic (SA) or standard anaerobic (SN) BC bottles. For each period, the same number of consecutive patients (n = 3,918) was included. Per patient, a median of 1 BC set (1 aerobic and 1 anaerobic bottles) has been sampled. A higher positivity rate was measured during PF than PS when counting per BC bottle (7.0 % vs 5.8 % with 1,456 and 1,237 positive bottles respectively, P < 0.0001) and per BC set (9.6 % vs 7.8 % with 995 and 832 positive BC sets respectively, P < 0.0001). In PF, an increased number of cases due to staphylococci (P < 0.0001) and to Gram-negative bacilli (P < 0.005) was observed, whereas the contamination rate was similar during the two periods (2.4 % of BC sets in PF and 2.3 % in PS). Although antibiotic consumption and medical activity were similar during the two periods, BSI case detection increased from 2.2 to 2.6 per 1,000 hospital-days, especially in intensive care units (ICU; 35.1 to 55.7). Mean TTD for pathogenic microorganisms was significantly shorter in PF than in PS (15.5 h vs 18.0 h, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of the new FAPlus/FNPlus BC bottles improved the diagnosis of bacteremia in our hospital, especially in ICU patients.
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Torres A, Cillóniz C, Ferrer M, Gabarrús A, Polverino E, Villegas S, Marco F, Mensa J, Menéndez R, Niederman M. Bacteraemia and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in community acquired pneumonia: risk and prognosis. Eur Respir J 2015; 45:1353-63. [PMID: 25614173 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00152514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The sensitivity of blood cultures in the diagnosis of bacteraemia for community-acquired pneumonia is low. Recommendations, by guidelines, to perform blood cultures are discordant. We aimed to determine the incidence, microbial aetiology, risk factors and outcomes of bacteraemic patients with community-acquired pneumonia, including cases with antibiotic-resistant pathogens (ARP). A prospective, observational study was undertaken on consecutive adult patients admitted to the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) with community-acquired pneumonia and blood cultures were obtained. Of the 2892 patients included, bacteraemia was present in 297 (10%) patients; 30 (10%) of whom had ARP (multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and an extended spectrum of beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae). In multivariate analyses, pleuritic pain, C-reactive protein ≥21.6 mg·dL(-1) and intensive care unit admissions were independently associated with bacteraemia, while prior antibiotic treatment and pneumococcal vaccine were protective factors. The risk factors for ARP bacteraemia were previous antibiotics and C-reactive protein <22.2 mg·dL(-1), while pleuritic pain was the only protective factor in the multivariate analysis. Bacteraemia (excluding ARP), appropriate empiric treatment, neurological disease, arterial oxygen tension/inspiratory oxygen fraction <250, pneumonia severity index risk classes IV and V, and intensive care unit admission were independently associated with a 30-day hospital mortality in the multivariate analysis. Inappropriate therapy was more frequent in ARP bacteraemia, compared with other bacteraemias (27% versus 3%, respectively, p<0.001). Antibiotic therapy protected against bacteraemia, but increased specifically the risk of bacteraemia from ARP due to the inappropriate coverage of these pathogens. Identifying patients at risk of ARP bacteraemia would help in deciding appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy. The results from this study provide evidence concerning community-acquired pneumonia patients in whom blood cultures should not be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Torres
- Dept of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tórax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona (UB) - SGR 911- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catia Cillóniz
- Dept of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tórax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona (UB) - SGR 911- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Ferrer
- Dept of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tórax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona (UB) - SGR 911- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Gabarrús
- Dept of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tórax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona (UB) - SGR 911- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Polverino
- Dept of Pneumology, Institut Clinic del Tórax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona (UB) - SGR 911- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Villegas
- Dept de Medicina Crítica y Cuidados Intensivos, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Francesc Marco
- Microbiology Laboratory (Centre Diagnòstic Biomèdic), Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Mensa
- Dept of Infectious Disease, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Blood culture-based diagnosis of bacteraemia: state of the art. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:313-22. [PMID: 25753137 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Blood culture remains the best approach to identify the incriminating microorganisms when a bloodstream infection is suspected, and to guarantee that the antimicrobial treatment is adequate. Major improvements have been made in the last years to increase the sensitivity and specificity and to reduce the time to identification of microorganisms recovered from blood cultures. Among other factors, the introduction in clinical microbiology laboratories of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology revolutionized the identification of microorganisms whereas the introduction of nucleic-acid-based methods, such as DNA hybridization or rapid PCR-based test, significantly reduce the time to results. Together with traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing, new rapid methods for the detection of resistance mechanisms respond to major epidemiological concerns such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase or carbapenemases. This review presents and discusses the recent developments in microbial diagnosis of bloodstream infections based on blood cultures.
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Technical improvements in culturing blood. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1237:35-46. [PMID: 25319777 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1776-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Blood culture is a laboratory test where a blood specimen, taken from a patient, is inoculated into bottles containing culture media to determine if infection-causing microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) have invaded the patient's bloodstream. This test is an important investigation with major implications for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bloodstream infections and possible sepsis. Moreover, blood culture will also provide the etiologic agent for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, enabling optimization of antibiotic therapy with significant impact on the outcome of the disease. Even if the potential benefices of blood culture are well known, critical factors mainly in pre- and post-analytical phases can reduce the clinical value of this test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary V Doern
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Clinical Microbiology Division, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Leli C, Cardaccia A, D'Alò F, Ferri C, Bistoni F, Mencacci A. A prediction model for real-time PCR results in blood samples from febrile patients with suspected sepsis. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:649-658. [PMID: 24523157 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.064097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, a systemic, deleterious host response to infection that leads to organ dysfunction, is a potentially deadly condition needing prompt identification of the causative organisms and early appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Among non-culture-based diagnostic methods, SeptiFast (SF) can be employed to speed bacterial and fungal DNA detection, but it suffers from poor sensitivity and high cost. The aim of the present study, performed in 285 febrile patients, was to develop a prediction model to restrict the SF assay to clinical cases with a high probability of positive SF results. The prevalence of SF results positive for a pathogen was 17.2 %. Independent predictors of positive results were: blood sampling within 12 h after the onset of fever [odds ratio (OR) 20.03; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 6.87-58.38; P<0.0001]; ≥0.5 ng serum procalcitonin (PCT) ml(-1) (OR 18.52; 95 % CI 5.12-67.02; P<0.0001); body temperature ≥38 °C (OR 3.78; 95 % CI 1.39-10.25; P = 0.009); ≤3 g serum albumin dl(-1) (OR 3.40; 95 % CI 1.27-9.08; P = 0.014); and ≥13 000 white blood cells mm(-3) (OR 2.75; 95 % CI 1.09-7.69; P = 0.05). The model showed good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-squared 1.61; P = 0.978). Area under the receiving operating characteristic curve was 0.944 (95 % CI 0.914-0.973; P<0.0001). These results suggest that a prediction model based on PCT and a few other routinely available laboratory and clinical variables could be of help in selecting patients with a high probability of SF-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Leli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Cardaccia
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Alò
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carla Ferri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bistoni
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Mencacci
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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