Bacteremias in Intensive Care Unit: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Nosocomial infections, particularly bacteremias, are a significant concern in intensive care units (ICUs) due to their invasive nature and the severity of patient’s conditions. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and resistance profile of bacteria isolated from blood cultures in patients admitted to the intensive care units of Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat. The study spanned over 24 months, from January 2021 to December 2022. Data from 725 positive blood cultures were analyzed, and 423 cases met the criteria for bacteremia. Gram-negative bacilli were more frequently isolated than gram-positive cocci, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii being the most prevalent species. The resistance profile of the isolated bacteria was assessed using various techniques, including automated systems and disk diffusion. The findings underscore the importance of identifying the responsible bacterial species and their resistance patterns in ICU settings to guide appropriate treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Further research and interventions are needed to address the challenges posed by nosocomial infections in ICUs and reduce their associated morbidity and mortality rates.