Peripheral venous catheter related blood stream infection in intensive care unit

Background: Peripheral venous catheter related blood stream infections (PVC-BSI) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Most of the catheter related blood stream infections occurs due to lack of proper aseptic measures. This study points out the risk factors microbial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates associated with PVC-BSI. The common organisms causing Catheter related BSI are Staphylococcus aureus (41.1%), and Klebsiella species (17.6%) followed by CONS and Enterococcus species. Objective of present study was to isolate and identify the organisms causing PCV-BSI, perform antimicrobial sensitivity testing of isolated organisms and to identify the associated risk factors and preventive measures that should be used.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of one year from August 2015 to July 2016 in the Department of Microbiology. Study group comprised of all the patients with peripheral venous catheterization who developed signs and symptoms of septicemia after 48 hrs of insertion of PVC. These patients were followed up from the time of catheterization till discharge. Peripheral venous catheter tip was collected under aseptic condition along with peripheral blood samples from a site other than the catheterized one. Samples were collected from patients at any point of time who developed signs and symptoms of septicemia after 48 hrs of catheter insertion. The length of time for which the PVC was in place was recorded.Results: In total, 87 cases were included in the study with mean catheter duration of 4.8 days accounting for 418 catheter days. Out of these 87 cases, 17 cases developed PVC-BSI (19.5%) and 34 cases developed colonization (24.1%). Staphylococcus species (41.1%) was the most common isolate.Conclusions: PVC-BSI has a significant role in hospital acquired infections and more studies are needed to establish this.