Recent Research on Bloodstream Infections

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2025) | Viewed by 2640

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bloodstream infections frequently complicate community-acquired infections and are also among the most common hospital-acquired infections. Several changes are noted nowadays regarding the epidemiology and microbiology of both community-acquired bloodstream infections and hospital-acquired ones. These changes, mostly seen in hospital-acquired infections, are associated with the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant microorganisms, either Gram-positives, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, or Gram-negatives, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas.

In an attempt to better understand the problem of bloodstream infections, this Special Issue aims to gather research studies and reviews related to the epidemiology and microbiology of bloodstream infections, as well as the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with bloodstream infections.

Dr. Stella Baliou
Dr. Petros Ioannou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • community-acquired infection
  • hospital-acquired infection
  • bloodstream infection
  • bacteremia
  • fungemia

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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17 pages, 430 KB  
Article
Epidemiology of Fungal Bloodstream Infections and Antifungal Susceptibility in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Rare Candida Co-Infection Case
by Saeed S. Banawas
Pathogens 2025, 14(12), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14121221 - 30 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background: In Saudi Arabia, rising multi-drug-resistant (MDR) fungal infections from broad-spectrum antifungal overuse highlight the urgent need for epidemiological and susceptibility research. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed fungal isolates from 55 patients with positive blood cultures in a Riyadh tertiary hospital, with identification [...] Read more.
Background: In Saudi Arabia, rising multi-drug-resistant (MDR) fungal infections from broad-spectrum antifungal overuse highlight the urgent need for epidemiological and susceptibility research. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed fungal isolates from 55 patients with positive blood cultures in a Riyadh tertiary hospital, with identification and antifungal susceptibility tested via the VITEK-2 compact system. Results: Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida (NAC) were isolated from 11 and 38 patients, respectively. In the NAC group, C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis spp. were predominant. C. glabrata exhibited the highest resistance to antifungals. Increased rates of resistance were shown by fluconazole and itraconazole, whereas voriconazole was the most effective azole with the lowest resistance. No evidence of resistance was found against non-azole antifungals. A single case of triple resistance to ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole was observed in C. parapsilosis. A single isolate of C. albicans was resistant to all tested azoles. A rare instance of coinfection with C. glabrata and C. albicans was identified in a single male patient with a dual-resistance pattern against posaconazole and itraconazole. Conclusions: The high prevalence of NAC, including tolerant isolates of C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata, along with multi-azole-resistant C. albicans and unique coinfection scenarios, urgently requires robust antifungal resistance surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Bloodstream Infections)
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16 pages, 1109 KB  
Article
MDR Bacteremia in the Critically Ill During COVID-19: The MARTINI Study
by Karolina Akinosoglou, Christina Petropoulou, Vasiliki Karioti, Sotiria Kefala, Dimitrios Bousis, Vasiliki Stamouli, Fevronia Kolonitsiou, George Dimopoulos, Charalambos Gogos and Foteini Fligou
Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111152 - 12 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bloodstream infections (BSIs) constitute a major challenge in intensive care units, with the COVID-19 pandemic compromising infection control and potentially increasing MDR incidence. Comparative data between COVID and non-COVID ICU populations remain limited. The MARTINI study is a retrospective observational analysis [...] Read more.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bloodstream infections (BSIs) constitute a major challenge in intensive care units, with the COVID-19 pandemic compromising infection control and potentially increasing MDR incidence. Comparative data between COVID and non-COVID ICU populations remain limited. The MARTINI study is a retrospective observational analysis held in a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) encompassing adult patients with MDR BSIs admitted to COVID and non-COVID ICUs. Demographics, comorbidities, severity scores, microbiology, resistance patterns, and outcomes were accessed and compared. A binary logistic regression model and multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors of ICU mortality. Among the study’s 156 patients (106 COVID-ICU, 50 non-COVID-ICU), COVID-ICU patients were significantly older with higher comorbidity and severity scores. Gram-negative pathogens predominated in both cohorts, mainly Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with comparable resistance mechanisms. Timing of bacteremia onset and initiation of appropriate therapy did not differ between groups. However, ICU mortality was markedly higher in COVID-ICU patients (74.5% vs. 38%, p < 0.001). Age, SOFA score, the presence of systemic inflammation (SIRS) and COVID-19 infection were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Although pathogen distribution and resistance were similar across groups, COVID-ICU patients experienced significantly poorer outcomes. Strengthened infection control and timely and targeted antimicrobial therapy are essential to diminish MDR bacteremia risk in critically ill populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Bloodstream Infections)
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10 pages, 602 KB  
Systematic Review
Infective Endocarditis by Fusobacterium Species—A Systematic Review
by Petros Ioannou, Eleni Mourati, Styliani Thalasseli Kazali, Chrysoula Bali, Stella Baliou and George Samonis
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080829 - 21 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: Fusobacterium species are anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli that are part of the normal oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal flora. Although rare, they can cause infective endocarditis (IE), a severe condition with high morbidity. The clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of IE caused by Fusobacterium [...] Read more.
Background: Fusobacterium species are anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli that are part of the normal oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal flora. Although rare, they can cause infective endocarditis (IE), a severe condition with high morbidity. The clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of IE caused by Fusobacterium spp. remain incompletely defined. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available data on Fusobacterium IE and compare its features with IE caused by other pathogens. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to 27 February 2025, using the terms “Fusobacterium” and “endocarditis.” Eligible studies included case reports or series describing adult or pediatric patients with Fusobacterium-associated IE. Data were extracted on demographics, risk factors, clinical features, microbiology, treatment, and outcomes. Results: A total of 21 studies (all case reports) involving 21 patients were included. The median age was 48 years, and 85.7% were male. Poor dental hygiene or recent dental work was the most common predisposing factor (47.6%). The mitral valve was most frequently affected (44.4%). Fever and sepsis were reported in nearly all cases, and embolic phenomena occurred in 81%. The most commonly isolated species were F. necrophorum (47.6%) and F. nucleatum (42.9%). Treatment commonly included metronidazole (61.9%), while surgical management was required in 23.8%. All-cause and infection-attributable mortality were both 9.5%. Conclusions: Fusobacterium IE predominantly affects younger males and is often linked to oral sources. This disease is associated with a high risk of systemic complications but seems to have a lower mortality compared to IE from other pathogens, including other anaerobic bacteria. Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial treatment are of utmost importance for optimal outcomes. Further research is required to guide evidence-based management of this rare but serious infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Bloodstream Infections)
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