Assessment of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures of patients with leukemia in the period 2009-2011

Abstract

Leukemic patients have high probability of developing bacteremia, especially due to the impairment of their immune system and as a consequence of chemotherapy. These infections have been growing significantly in different regions, particularly in university hospitals and are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from blood cultures from patients with leukemia. A retrospective study of blood cultures in the period from 2009 to 2011 was conducted at the University Hospital of Santa Maria. In the period of this study was possible to analyze 282 positive blood cultures, being 46.45% (131/282) caused by CoNS. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the prevalent specie. Regarding the hospitalization sectors of patients, the Treatment Center for Children with Cancer showed the highest prevalence, 67.37%. The isolates were predominant in males and in the age group between 0-22 years old. In this study the CoNS represented the most isolated microorganisms. The resistance presented by these microorganisms is a concern since it limits the treatment for bloodstream infections in these patients with compromised immune system. Retrospective studies of prevalence provide us with results for the local epidemiology to be known, considered essential for the antimicrobial treatment, especially when referring to patients with a weakened immune system and admitted in university hospitals.