Study: Season, Temperatures Affect Infection Rates

A study published in PLos ONE suggests bloodstream infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, may be more prevalent during summer months.

For their study, researchers utilized a database containing blood cultures collected from Jan. 1999-Sept. 2006 at 132 hospitals. The blood cultures included those positive for Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus spp and Staphylococcus aureus).

 

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An analysis of these blood cultures showed bloodstream infections caused by Gram-negative organisms were more frequent in summer months than winter months. There was, however, no significant change in prevalence of bloodstream infections caused by S. aureus during changing seasons. Researchers concluded the summer season and higher outdoor temperatures are associated with substantially increased frequency of bloodstream infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Related Articles on Bloodstream Infections:

AHRQ: Septicemia Most Expensive Condition Treated by Hospitals in 2009
Bloodstream Infections Linked to Colorectal Cancer
Study: High Short-Term Glucose Levels Could Increase Risk of Bloodstream Infections

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