Monitoring and Outcomes of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Tertiary Care Intensive Care Unit

Background Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are significant healthcare-associated infections that increase morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aims to analyze the frequency, microbiology, risk factors, and outcomes of CLABSI in an adult intensive care unit. Methods We conducted a hospital-based, prospective surveillance study in the critical care unit of a tertiary care hospital. We included patients with a central line (CL) from admission until discharge or line removal. Data collection focused on patient demographics, comorbidities, CL insertion site, and CLABSI rates. The incidence of CLABSI was calculated per 1,000 CL-days, and statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results Of the 169 patients enrolled, 123 episodes of bloodstream infections were recorded, 56 (45.5%) of which were CLABSIs. The organisms most frequently isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 14; 24.6%), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 11; 19.3%), Klebsiella species (n = 7; 12.28%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 7; 12.28%). The overall CLABSI rate was 24.70 per 1,000 CL-days. No significant association was found between CLABSI and patient age, gender, or the site of CL insertion. However, a significant relationship was observed between CLABSI and the presence of comorbid conditions (p = 0.001). The study also noted a high rate of antibiotic resistance among the isolated pathogens. Conclusions Our results emphasize the need for stringent infection control measures and suggest that comorbid conditions significantly increase the risk of CLABSI. Addressing antibiotic resistance and implementing effective prevention strategies are essential for reducing the burden of CLABSIs.