[An analysis of microorganisms isolated from blood samples of patients treated at the Department of Nephrology and Internal Diseases]

Abstract

The development of invasive medical procedures involves a decrease of prevalence of generalized infections. Hemodialysed patients are at higher risk of infection. The aim of this study was to analyze microorganisms isolated from blood samples of patients treated at the Department of Nephrology and Internal Diseases of the Medical University in Bydgoszcz.

Material and methods: The analysis was based on 959 blood samples obtained from 248 patients during the investigation period from 01.02.2001 to 30.11.2002. Among patients included in this analysis 52.0% were males, 48.0% females. The age oscillated between 18 and 95 years, average 58.6 +/- 17.6. Blood cultures were processed in the blood culture monitoring systems. Identification of isolated microorganisms was based on their morphological and biochemical features. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted according to the recommendations of the NCCLS and National Reference Centre for Drug-Sensitivity of Microorganisms.

Results: Positive culture results were obtained for 151 (15.8%) samples. 1114 (75.5%) strains of Gram(+) bacteria and 36 (23.8%) strains of Gram(-) bacteria and one Candida albicans strain were isolated. The results of antibiotic sensitivity tests are also presented. High prevalence of CNS strains in our research may suggest contamination of the samples with normal skin flora, since those strains were usually only isolated one time. It might also be the result of the profile of the Department.

Conclusions: The prevention of vascular access-related septicaemia is a vital element of the care of the hemodialysed patient, as it is a well-established risk factor of generalized infections. Elaborating of local standards for empirical antibiotic therapy of generalized infections based on the epidemiological data of a particular department or hospital ward is necessary.