Recurrence of Gram-negative Bacterial Blood Stream Infections due to relapse not reinfection

A recent investigation has revealed that relapse was the most common cause of recurrent Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections (GNB-BSI). The study was published in the journal, "Clinical Infectious Diseases."  

As there is not much understanding of the causes and clinical characteristics of recurrent gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections (GNB-BSI), researchers from the U.S.A. conducted a study to understand the recurrence pattern of the GNB-BSI. A prospective study was conducted on patients with GNB-BSI to identify clinical characteristics, microbiology, and risk factors associated with these recurrent infections. Bacterial genotyping which included both pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] and whole genome sequencing [WGS] was used to define whether these episodes were due to relapse or reinfection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with recurrence. 

Results: 

1423 patients with GNB-BSI met the criteria for inclusion in this study. 

Of these 60 (4%) had recurrent GNB-BSI.

Non-white race, admission to a surgical service, and presence of an indwelling cardiac device were associated with increased risk for recurrent GNB-BSI.