Antimicrobial Resistance and Death in Tanzanian Children with Bloodstream Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Blomberg Bjørn, Manji Karim P, Urassa Willy K, Tamim Bushir S, Mwakagile Davis SM, Jureen Roland, Msangi Viola, Tellevik Marit G, Holberg-Petersen Mona, Harthug Stig, Maselle Samwel Y, Langeland Nina
Primary Institution: Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Hypothesis
Does antimicrobial resistance predict death in children with bloodstream infections?
Conclusion
Antimicrobial resistance, HIV infection, and malnutrition are significant predictors of death in children with bloodstream infections.
Supporting Evidence
- Bloodstream infection was confirmed in 13.9% of admissions.
- 34.9% of children with bloodstream infection died.
- Mortality from Gram-negative infections was 43.5%, higher than from malaria.
Takeaway
This study found that many children in Tanzania who get serious infections from bacteria often die because the bacteria are resistant to the medicines that should help them.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study was conducted on 1828 children aged 0-7 years with suspected systemic infection, assessing bloodstream infection incidence and risk factors for death.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the frequent use of antimicrobials before blood culture may have affected the detection of pathogens.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the incidence of bloodstream infections due to prior antimicrobial use and did not perform anaerobic cultures.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0-7 years, with a median age of 8.5 months; 44% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI provided for various risk factors.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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