Neonate Bloodstream Infections (BSI) in China: Emerging Threat of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens

Background: Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, which multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens present an ever-growing burden in the hospital and community settings. Data on antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of BSIs pathogens among hospitalized neonates in China are few and not clearly defined. Methods: we retrospectively collected clinical and bacteria data about patients with BSI from 2013 to 2017 in Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children. The patients were divided into the early- and late-onset BSI groups according to if BSI occurred within or beyond 72 hours after admission.Results: 210 BSIs occurred from January 1st, 2014 to December 31th, 2019. Of all included 210 patients, there were 99(47.14%), 105 (50.00%), and 6 (2.86%) infected with gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, respectively. For early-onset BSI, the predominated pathogen was E. coli, accounting for 59.6% with 29.72% producing of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). CNS (40.3%), K. pneumoniae (23.8%), and E. coli (20.9%) constitute the main causes of late-onset BSIs. Notably, 75.0% of K. pneumoniae produced ESBLs and 81.3% were MDR, which were higher than early-onset BSIs. Late onset BSIs and antibiotic exposure were significantly associated with MDR infection. Conclusion: Gram-negative bacteria gradually became the main pathogenic bacteria, among which E. coli and K. pneumoniae accounted for the largest proportion. The phenomenon of multi-drug resistance of bacteria is serious, and the first-line drug can't meet the practical needs. Late onset sepsis and antibiotic exposure were significantly associated with MDR infection.