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E. coli bacteremia increased in older adults
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Escherichia coli is an increasing cause of bacteremia, with most cases occurring in adults aged at least 65 years, and a large proportion of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase strains, based on data presented at the International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control.
“According to national surveillance in England, S. aureus as a cause of bacteremia has recently declined, but that due to E. coli has increased by 33%,” Jennie Wilson, MSc, BSc, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in the UK, and colleagues wrote in the study abstract.
Wilson and colleagues investigated E. coli cases that occurred between July 2008 and June 2010 at their institution and evaluated patient data to distinguish between community-associated, health care-associated, and whether it produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL).
Twelve percent of all positive blood cultures yielded E. coli bacteremia; 67% of which were community-associated. Females (55%) were more likely to have community-associated cases, whereas health care-associated cases were more likely among men (53%). In addition, adults aged at least 65 years were more likely to have E. coli, accounting for 44% of community-associated and 49% of health care-associated cases.
Sixteen percent of all cases produced ESBL; 14% of which were community-associated and 22% of which were health care-associated cases. The bacteremia source was identified for 35% of cases, 30% of which occurred in the urinary tract.
For more information:
- Wilson J. #O3. Presented at: The International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control; June 29-July 2, 2011; Geneva.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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