Analysis of Microbial Profile Shifts in Bloodstream Infections Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Care Facility in Iran
By
Sebastiana Silva Sabino
Alexia Máximo Fernandes
Natália Ludendorff Queiroz
Cristiane Silveira de Brito
Lícia Ludendorff Queiroz
Celsa Raquel Villaverde Melgarejo
Paulo P. Gontijo Filho
Rosineide Marques Ribas
September 16, 2026
Objective: To investigate alterations in the microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections (BSIs) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approach: Study Design: Retrospective analysis of BSIs over six years, comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.Microbial Analysis: Assessment of pathogen distributions and resistance patterns in BSIs.Key Findings: Gram-negative organisms predominated in the etiological profile of BSIs. Increased prevalence of Enterobacterales (E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp.) post-pandemic. Significant rise in antimicrobial resistance, particularly among Gram-negative pathogens. MRSA prevalence increased, while vancomycin-resistant enterococci remained high. Decreased prevalence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Limitations: Methodological differences among studies may affect interpretation of results. Conclusion: Ongoing surveillance is critical for informing empirical antibiotic therapy and reinforcing infection control strategies.
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