Microbiology and Predictors of Gram-Negative Infections in Persons Who Inject Drugs with Injection-Related Infections Requiring Hospitalization

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

11-27-2023

Publication Title

Open Forum Infect Dis

Abstract

Background. Intravenous drug use predisposes users to life-threatening bacterial infections primarily caused by gram-positive organisms. Studies have seen an uptrend in gram-negative injection-related infections in persons who inject drugs (PWID). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the microbiology of injection-related infections in PWID and evaluate risk factors that may predispose these patients to infections caused by gram-negative organisms. Methods. This retrospective chart review of adult PWID hospitalized with an injection-related infection (skin & soft tissue infection, bacteremia, septic arthritis, endocarditis, epidural abscess, and osteomyelitis) included patients aged >18 years with bacterial growth on specimens collected within 72 hours of admission from September 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests where appropriate. Results. A total of 259 patients were included in the study. 243 (93.8%) patients grew gram-positive organisms, while only 16 (6.2%) grew gram-negative organisms. The majority of patients were male (60%), the median age was 38 (IQR [33-44]), and 10% had a prior infection with MRSA. The distribution of injection-related infections included SSTIs (79.9%), bacteremia (34.7%), septic arthritis (12%), infective endocarditis (10.4%), osteomyelitis (8.5%), and epidural abscess (3.5%). The most commonly observed organisms were MRSA (36%), S. pyogenes (43%), and MSSA (9%). The gram-negative organisms isolated are shown in Figure 1. Approximately 84% of patients received overtreatment with an anti-pseudomonal agent; however, only 2% required its use. SSTIs with lower extremity involvement were found to be associated with gram-negative infections within this cohort, as shown in Table 1. Conclusion. In this study, despite less than 10% of patients growing gramnegative organisms on culture, approximately 80% received gram-negative treatment. Knowledge of the microbiology of infections in PWID can aid prescribers in optimizing empiric therapy for injection-related infections and preserving the core principles of antimicrobial stewardship.

Volume

10

Issue

Suppl 2

First Page

S962

Last Page

S963

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS