Negative blood culture results are influenced by antibiotic treatment: A retrospective study at Malamulo Adventist Hospital, Thyolo, Malawi
Résumé
Abstract Background Blood culture is a laboratory test designed to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood of patients suspected of blood stream infection. While speedy initiation of antibiotic treatment is a critical determinant of patient survival, it is recommended that sample for blood culture should be collected before initiation of antibiotic therapy. The present study assessed the effects of antibiotic treatment on blood culture negativity. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted to review blood culture results from June 2021 to December 2022. Blood culture results from patients aged 0 to 60 years were examined. Blood culture results whose samples were obtained prior to antibiotic treatment were analysed in comparison to those obtained during antibiotic treatment. Altogether a total of 165 results from various wards were analysed. Results Out of 94 blood cultures tested prior to antibiotic treatment, 54 were negative reflecting a negativity rate of 57%. Furthermore, from 71 blood cultures analysed after initiating antibiotic treatment, 56 were negative, representing a negativity rate of 79% (56/71). Thus, blood samples collected post antibiotic treatment exhibited a higher blood culture negativity rate in comparison to blood samples collected before the onset of antibiotic treatment. Conclusions This study revealed that collecting blood culture samples after the start of antibiotic treatment promotes blood culture negativity. While prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy is vital for patient recovery and survival in sepsis or bacteraemia, we encourage the practice of collecting blood culture samples prior to the commencement of treatment.
Citer ce document
Accès au document
Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter
Voir l'article sur le site de la revueAuteur(s)
Statistiques
Consultations : 1
Téléchargements : 0