Etiological landscape of microorganisms causing blood stream infections
commensal? or pathogen?
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Etiological landscape of microorganisms causing blood stream infections
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: commensal? or pathogen?
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Trupti Bajpai and Maneesha Pandey
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Etiological landscape of microorganisms causing blood stream infections
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201714-9998
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Blood Stream Infections (BSIs) present a significant challenge in healthcare, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. These infections are prevalent among vulnerable populations—particularly those undergoing invasive procedures. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for improving survival rates, as the epidemiology of BSIs is influenced by factors such as geographic location, patient demographics, and healthcare practices. This study aims to investigate the etiological landscape of microorganisms responsible for BSIs and explores the complexities of identifying pathogens versus commensals in blood cultures.
Importance of Accurate Pathogen Identification
The study identified 499 culture-positive samples, revealing a notable finding: 51.8% of isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, 42.3% were Gram-negative bacteria, and 5.7% were fungal. This highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to differentiate between true pathogens and skin commensals or contaminants. Notably, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most frequently isolated organisms, suggesting that they should not be dismissed as mere contaminants, especially in immunocompromised patients. Accurate identification of these organisms carries significant clinical implications for treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Epidemiological Variability and Fungal Isolates
The findings emphasized the variability in BSIs across different geographical locations and populations. For instance, the prevalence rate observed in this study (26.7%) was higher than rates reported in other research, largely due to the inclusion of CoNS and other rare organisms in the study's pathogen list. The presence of 29 fungal isolates indicates a concerning trend where fungi, particularly different species of Candida, emerge as critical pathogens. With Candida albicans being the predominant fungal isolate, understanding the shift in prevalence towards non-albicans species is paramount, especially among severely ill or immunosuppressed patients.
Clinical Relevance of Rare and Emerging Pathogens
This study also identified numerous rare Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that are often overlooked or labeled as contaminants in other studies. Organisms such as Kocuria, Leuconostoc, and Aerococcus, among others, were isolated, highlighting an urgent need for clinical awareness regarding their potential pathogenic roles. Their recognition as pathogens in the context of BSIs underscores the importance of detailed microbiological evaluation in patients presenting with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis. The comprehensive identification process serves to enrich clinicians' understanding of the possible infective agents, thereby optimizing therapeutic choices.
Conclusion
The research illustrated the complexity surrounding the identification of pathogens in blood culture testing and emphasized the necessity for microbiologists to provide thorough reports that correctly contextualize the significance of isolated organisms. Clinicians can then make well-informed decisions about empirical therapy based on these insights. Continuous monitoring of etiological patterns and timely communication between microbiologists and clinicians is key to improving patient outcomes in the face of BSIs. Ultimately, this study advocates for a paradigm shift where every isolate is treated seriously in order to foster better clinical practices and enhance patient care standards.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are Blood Stream Infections (BSIs) and their effects?
BSIs are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. They increase hospital stays, healthcare costs, and are associated with inadequate empirical therapy, leading to poor outcomes for patients.
What was the aim of the study on BSIs?
The study aimed to understand the epidemiology of BSIs and evaluate the identification and reporting of pathogens and commensals in culture-positive blood samples from hospitalized patients.
What were the main findings regarding pathogen types in the study?
Out of 499 culture-positive samples, 51.8% were Gram-positive bacteria, 42.3% were Gram-negative bacteria, and 5.7% were fungal isolates, including several opportunistic pathogens and uncommon species.
How does the identification of pathogens assist clinicians?
Identifying pathogens helps clinicians understand potential causative agents of severe illness, allowing for appropriate clinical correlation and guiding empirical therapy in the absence of sensitivity reports.
Why is accurate reporting of BSIs important?
Accurate reporting of BSIs is crucial for appropriate antimicrobial therapy, understanding epidemiological trends, and designing preventive measures within healthcare settings.
What recommendations were made for laboratories handling blood samples?
The study recommends processing all flagged positive samples for identification, compiling notes on unusual isolates, and ensuring clinicians are informed about the severity of organisms for better therapeutic decisions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Etiological landscape of microorganisms causing blood stream infections”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid that circulates in the bodies of humans and animals, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to cells and removing waste products. In the context of the study, blood samples are collected to diagnose blood stream infections (BSIs), which present significant health challenges and can lead to severe outcomes in hospitalized patients.
2) Study (Studying):
The study refers to a systematic investigation undertaken to analyze the etiology of blood stream infections (BSIs) in hospitalized patients. Conducted over one year, it examines blood samples to determine the prevalence, types of microorganisms involved, and their clinical implications, aiming to inform better patient management and treatment strategies.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. In the context of the study, understanding the types of microbial pathogens in BSIs helps clinicians select appropriate antibiotics for treatment, particularly in cases of resistant strains that complicate empirical therapy decisions.
4) Species:
The term species refers to a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed. In the study, identifying the specific species of bacteria or fungi isolated from blood samples is crucial for understanding the pathogen's role in infections, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting patient outcomes.
5) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly associated with a variety of infections, including blood stream infections. Its identification in the study highlights its significance as a pathogen, necessitating careful consideration of its characteristics and antibiotic resistance patterns in the treatment of infected patients.
6) India:
India is the geographical context in which the study is set. The healthcare environment, epidemiology of infections, and resistance patterns observed in this study are influenced by the cultural and medical landscape of India, prompting localized strategies to address the challenges presented by blood stream infections.
7) Table:
Tables are used in the study to present organized data in a clear and accessible format. They summarize the findings regarding the types and frequencies of microbial isolates found in culture-positive blood samples, facilitating a quick comparison of results and aiding in the interpretation of the study's findings.
8) Teaching:
Teaching denotes the educational aspect of the institution where the study was conducted. A teaching tertiary care hospital not only provides patient care but also supports medical education, allowing students and professionals to learn about infectious diseases and the importance of microbiological research in clinical settings.
9) Drug:
Drugs are substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. In the context of the study, understanding the microbial isolates from blood samples informs the selection of drugs, including antibiotics, essential for effectively managing blood stream infections and ensuring appropriate therapeutic strategies are pursued.
10) Sri Aurobindo:
Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute in Indore, India, is the institution where the research was conducted. It plays a critical role in providing healthcare and serves as a training ground for medical professionals, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases.
11) Discussion:
The discussion section of a scientific paper analyzes the significance of research findings, placing them within the context of existing knowledge and broader implications for public health. It allows authors to interpret their study results, reflect on limitations, and suggest future research directions related to blood stream infections.
12) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition characterized by the presence of signs and symptoms. In the study, blood stream infections are highlighted as significant diseases affecting hospitalized patients, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs depending on the pathogens involved and timely diagnosis.
13) Indore:
Indore, a city in central India, is the location of the Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute involved in the study. The regional healthcare dynamics, including patient demographics and prevalent pathogens, play a vital role in the study's findings regarding blood stream infections and their management.
14) Water:
Water is an essential resource that can serve as a medium for the transmission of infectious pathogens. The study indirectly acknowledges the role of water in the environment, as certain bacteria are prevalent in aqueous habitats, making the quality of water a crucial factor in public health and infection control.
15) Soil:
Soil serves as a habitat for numerous microorganisms, including potential pathogens. The study recognizes that many bacteria can thrive in soil environments; thus, understanding microbial ecology in soils helps illuminate the sources of infections and the various settings in which blood stream pathogens may be acquired.
16) Central India:
Central India indicates the geographical region where the study was conducted, providing context for the epidemiology of blood stream infections. The health care challenges faced in this region, including specific pathogens prevalent in communities, play an essential role in shaping interventions for infection management.
17) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as the capital city of India, represents a significant urban center that influences healthcare policies and practices nationwide. Its healthcare infrastructure can impact the epidemiology of infections, antibiotic usage patterns, and the overall management approaches taken in institutions like the one where the study was performed.
18) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context relates to the information and understanding gained through the study regarding the etiological agents of blood stream infections. This knowledge aids clinicians in making informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and infection control strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in healthcare settings.
19) Evolution:
Evolution refers to the gradual changes in organisms over time, including the development of antibiotic resistance in pathogens. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring the evolving landscape of microbial pathogens, as these changes impact treatment protocols and necessitate ongoing research into emerging blood borne pathogens.
20) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment in which organisms live, grow, and thrive. In the study, understanding the habitat of identified pathogens contributes to our knowledge of their ecological niches, potential sources of infection, and how environmental factors influence the epidemiology of blood stream infections.
21) Reason:
Reason refers to the justification behind the study's objectives and methodology. In the context of infectious diseases, understanding the reasons for identifying specific pathogens and their impact on patient management is crucial for improving clinical practices and ensuring that appropriate treatments are administered in a timely manner.
22) Animal:
Animals are significant reservoirs for various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. The study may acknowledge the potential for zoonotic transmission of certain bacteria involved in blood stream infections, highlighting the interconnectedness of human and animal health in the prevention of infectious diseases.
23) Delhi:
Delhi, encompassing the metropolitan area, is vital to understanding the healthcare landscape of India. As a central hub for medical research and public health initiatives, data and findings from studies conducted in Delhi can significantly influence best practices and policies regarding the management of infections, including blood stream infections.
24) Sign:
Sign refers to an indicator or symbol that conveys information. In the study, clinical signs of illness are crucial for diagnosing infections; understanding these signs enhances the ability of healthcare providers to recognize blood stream infections early and initiate appropriate management without delay.
25) Life:
Life captures the essence of biological existence. In medical research, particularly related to infections, understanding how pathogens affect life—through morbidity and mortality—is critical. The study aims to elucidate the impacts of blood stream infections on individual lives, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and effective treatments.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Etiological landscape of microorganisms causing blood stream infections’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Infection Control, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Antimicrobial therapy, Clinical correlation, Empirical therapy, Nosocomial pathogen, Systemic inflammatory response syndrome, Automated blood culture, Microbial isolates, Blood stream infection, Emerging pathogen, Fungal isolate.