Epidemiology of bacteremia in the pediatric oncology service, report 2022, Hospital de Solca-Guayaquil.

Abstract

Introduction: Infections are one of the main complications in the pediatric oncology population due to using myeloablative treatments. Continuous monitoring of the microorganisms involved and their susceptibility to antibiotics has become as crucial as their rational use to avoid resistance to treatment. The present study aimed to establish the epidemiology of hospital pathogens and establish an initial, efficient, and effective empirical management protocol with these data.

Methods: Blood cultures taken from febrile neutropenic children hospitalized in the National Oncology Institute pediatric department, Solca Guayaquil, in 2022 were analyzed. The cultures were taken directly from peripheral blood and retro cultures from samples of venous devices. The identification of the microorganisms and their sensitivity was carried out in the institution's microbiology department.

Results: A total of 1019 cultures were analyzed; 165 were positive (16.19%), 147 were new microorganisms, and 18 were follow-up cultures. Bacteria were identified in 101 cases (68.71%) and fungi in the remaining 46 (31.29%). The primary organisms isolated were gram-negative bacteria, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most frequent (16.33%). Among the gram-positive, the majority are coagulase-negative staphylococci. Staphylococcus aureus 7.48%. The primary fungus isolated was Candida parapsilosis (17.69%). No Aspergillus spp. was isolated.

Conclusions: The results differed from the previous year's epidemiology; specific changes forced the use of new antibiotics.