Predictors of Mortality of Streptococcal Bacteremia and the Role of Infectious Diseases Consultation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Jun 14;78(6):1544-1550. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae168.

Abstract

Background: Streptococcal bacteremia is associated with high mortality. Thia study aims to identify predictors of mortality among patients with streptococcal bacteremia.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, and included episodes of streptococcal bacteremia among adult patients from 2015 to 2023.

Results: During the study period, 861 episodes of streptococcal bacteremia were included. The majority of episodes were categorized in the Mitis group (348 episodes; 40%), followed by the Pyogenic group (215; 25%). Endocarditis was the most common source of bacteremia (164; 19%). The overall 14-day mortality rate was 8% (65 episodes). The results from the Cox multivariable regression model showed that a Charlson comorbidity index >4 (P .001; hazard ratio [HR], 2.87; confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-5.22), Streptococcus pyogenes (P = .011; HR, 2.54;CI: 1.24-5.21), sepsis (P < .001; HR, 7.48; CI: 3.86-14.47), lower respiratory tract infection (P = .002; HR, 2.62; CI: 1.42-4.81), and absence of source control interventions within 48 hours despite being warranted (P = .002; HR, 2.62; CI: 1.43-4.80) were associated with 14-day mortality. Conversely, interventions performed within 48 hours of bacteremia onset, such as infectious diseases consultation (P < .001; HR, 0.29; CI: .17-.48) and appropriate antimicrobial treatment (P < .001; HR, .28; CI: .14-.57), were associated with improved outcome.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the pivotal role of infectious diseases consultation in guiding antimicrobial treatment and recommending source control interventions for patients with streptococcal bacteremia.

Keywords: bloodstream infection; infectious diseases consultation; sepsis; source control; streptococci.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacteremia* / microbiology
  • Bacteremia* / mortality
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Streptococcal Infections* / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections* / mortality
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Switzerland / epidemiology