RT Journal
A1 Roselle GA, Watanakunakorn C
T1 POlymicrobial bacteremia
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1979
FD November 30
VO 242
IS 22
SP 2411
OP 2413
DO 10.1001/jama.1979.03300220023016
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1979.03300220023016
AB Of 26,961 blood cultures taken during an 18-month period at the Cincinnati General Hospital, 1,715 (6%) were positive. Ninety-four patients had blood cultures containing more than one organism. Although aerobic and anaerobic streptococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria, a variety of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, was isolated in different combinations depending on the underlying disease. Neurological illness, malignant neoplasms, burns, and decubitus ulcers were among the most common underlying conditions found. The overall mortality was 54%, but only 58% of these deaths were specifically related to an episode of polymicrobial bacteremia. Patient survival was significantly related to appropriate antimicrobial therapy.(JAMA 242:2411-2413, 1979)