Role of Arterial catheters as a source of Hospital related Bacteremia

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common in intensive care units (ICUs) and in the medical patients. In the United States approximately 250.000 cases of bloodstream infections (BSIs) reported annually, associated with increase in longer hospital stay, costs and mortality. Primary bacteremia without local infection elsewhere, Including intravascular catheter sources account for approximately one half of ICU related bacteremias. The incidence of CLABSIs in non-ICU, general medical patients compare able to the rate in ICU patients. Sources of BSIs include contaminated fluids, catheter hub and lumen, and contaminated skin at catheter insertion site. Pathogens gain access into to the blood stream through extraluminal or intraluminal surface of the device. Bacterial bioflm is thought to be a virtually universal phenomena following insertion of intravascular device. Gram positive organisms, gram negative organisms and fungi is the frequently isolated BSIs pathogens. Multi drug resistant pathogens,and extended spectrum βlactamase (ESBLs) producing organisms, and bacteremia in elderly has high mortality rate. Molecular methods play important role in the diagnostic laboratory techniques.CLABSIs can be prevented by following CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of devicerelated infections.