What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to analyze the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of CLABSI in an ICU.

March 17, 2026Open Access

Epidemiological Analysis of Central Line–associated Bloodstream Infections in a Private Hospital in Recife

MFMartha Maria Romeiro Figueirôa Ferreira FonsecaCentro de Estudos e Sistemas Avançados do Recife CBCátia Arcuri Branco GFGustavo Tavares de Amorim FilhoCentro de Estudos e Sistemas Avançados do Recife

Key Points

The study aims to analyze the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of CLABSI in an ICU.
Observational, retrospective cohort study based on secondary hospital infection data
Evaluation of ICU patients with CLABSI and positive blood cultures from January 2023 to January 2025
Compilation of data for calculating absolute and relative frequencies of isolates
Twenty-one CLABSI cases were identified in the study period
Mean time from admission to diagnosis was 32.7 days
Sixty-six point seven percent of isolates were bacterial, and thirty-three point three percent were fungal
The most common bacterial isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Fungal isolation was notable, with Candida parapsilosis being the most common fungus detected

Abstract

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are among the most severe and frequent health care–associated infections in ICUs. Continuous epidemiological surveillance and characterization of the microbiological profile are essential to guide empiric antibiotic therapy and implement prevention strategies. This study proposes analyzing CLABSI in an ICU of a private hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Observational, retrospective cohort study based on secondary data from the hospital’s infection surveillance system. All ICU patients who developed CLABSI according to ANVISA criteria (2023) and had positive blood cultures between January 2023 and January 2025 were evaluated. Data were compiled in a spreadsheet, and absolute and relative frequencies of isolates were calculated to determine epidemiological prevalence. Twenty-one CLABSI cases were identified. Mean time from admission to diagnosis was 32.7 days (minimum 7; maximum 58). The etiological profile included 14/21 (66.7%) bacterial isolates and 7/21 (33.3%) fungal isolates. Bacterial species distribution: Klebsiella pneumoniae 4/14 (29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3/14 (21%), Acinetobacter baumannii 3/14 (21%), Staphylococcus aureus 2/14 (14%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus 1/14 (7%), and Enterococcus faecalis 1/14 (7%). Fungal isolates included Candida parapsilosis 4/7 (57%), Candida glabrata 1/7 (14%), Candida albicans 1/7 (14%), Candida tropicalis 1/7 (14%), and Trichosporon asahii 1/7 (14%). The significant identification of fungal infections and the high prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria (71%) align with global and national trends. The epidemiological profile highlights the need to optimize empiric antimicrobial and antifungal treatment guidelines (antimicrobial stewardship) and to reinforce infection prevention measures to improve clinical outcomes and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

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