Trends among pathogens reported as causing bacteraemia in England, 2004-2008

J. Wilson*, S. Elgohari, D. M. Livermore, B. Cookson, A. Johnson, T. Lamagni, A. Chronias, E. Sheridan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

146 Citations (Scopus)

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 analyzed using a generalized linear model with a log link function for Poisson distribution. In 2008, 101276 episodes of bacteraemia were reported; a rate of 189 per 100000 population. More than one-half occurred in those aged over 65years 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 aged over 75years. 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 because they are associated with a high morbidity and increasing resistance to antibiotics. Further investigation of the underlying causes and prevention strategies is a public health priority. Recent declines in methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteraemia have not been reflected in other pathogens, including methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)451-458
Number of pages8
JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci
  • Escherichia coli
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Surveillance

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