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.
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