Trends among pathogens reported as causing bacteraemia in England, 2004 to 2008.
Clin Microbiol Infect. 2010 May 18;
Authors: Wilson J, Elgohari S, Livermore DM, Cookson B, Johnson A, Lamagni T, Chronias A, Sheridan E
Abstract The Health Protection Agency in England operates a voluntary surveillance system that collects data on bacteraemias reported by over 90% of laboratories in England. Trends in causative microorganisms reported between 2004 and 2008 were analysed using a generalised linear model with a log link function for Poisson distribution. In 2008, 101 276 episodes of bacteraemia were reported; a rate of 189 per 100 000 population. More than half occurred in the over-65s and males. The most common organisms reported were Escherichia coli (23%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) (16.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.4%). Between 2004 and 2008 E. coli bacteraemia increased by 33% (p < 0.001); the species now accounts for more than 30% of bacteraemia in those over 75 years. There also were significant increases in bacteraemia caused by other Gram-negative pathogens and marked seasonal variation. Bacteraemia caused by S. aureus increased until 2005, with a decline after 2006 (p < 0.001) entirely due to methicillin-resistant strains. CNS bacteraemia have declined significantly since 2007. The renewed dominance of Gram-negative pathogens as major causes of bacteraemia in England is of particular concern as they are associated with a high morbidity and increasing resistance to antibiotics. Further investigation of underlying causes and prevention strategies is a public health priority. Recent declines in MRSA bacteraemia have not been reflected in other pathogens, including methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.
PMID: 20491834 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]