Comparison of outcomes between patients with single versus multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococcus: Infection versus illusion?

Abstract

Enterococci represent one of the most common causative pathogens of bloodstream infections (BSIs). There is debate in the literature regarding the clinical importance of single versus multiple positive blood cultures for Enterococci. This single-center retrospective study found that patients with multiple positive blood cultures experienced increased inpatient mortality and a shorter median survival. Additionally, BSIs >6.7 days resulted in approximately 20% increased mortality. These results are preliminary and require further exploration.

Keywords: Bloodstream infection; Contamination; Enterococci; Inpatient mortality.