Global Burden of Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19: Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mortality Risk

Resumo original em inglês

O que aconteceu

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) complicate COVID-19 inpatients, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), risk factors, and outcomes of BSIs in RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases.

We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and MDPI journals (January 2020-August 2025) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Twenty-two observational studies (~123,500 patients, ~602,000 blood cultures) were included: 10 prospective and 12 retrospective. Random-effects models estimated pooled prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and mean differences, with subgroup analyses (ICU, non-ICU, pediatric) and meta-regression.

O que encontraram

Pooled BSI prevalence was 8.2% (95% CI: 5.7-11.0; I2 = 50%). Subgroup prevalence was higher in ICU (12.5%) than non-ICU (5.2%) populations. Pediatric cohorts (n = 3) showed a prevalence of 10.8%. Gram-negative pathogens predominated (61%), particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae (26%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (21%). AMR rates were 36% for MRSA and 31% for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Risk factors included mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.6), immunosuppression (OR: 2.3), and corticosteroid use (OR: 2.4). BSIs were associated with increased mortality (OR: 2.6), prolonged hospitalization (+6.8 days), and higher ICU admission (OR: 3.1).

Por que isso importa

BSIs, largely driven by multidrug-resistant pathogens, substantially worsen COVID-19 outcomes. Variability in diagnostic criteria (CDC vs. ECDC) and reliance on retrospective designs are limitations, though moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 50%) enhances generalizability across diverse populations. Strengthened infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are urgently required.

Resumo publicado sob licença CC BY. A tradução para o português ainda não chegou a este estudo.