OBJECTIVES

The aim was to investigate risk factors for community-onset bloodstream infections with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (EPE BSI).

METHODS

It is mandatory to report EPE BSI to a national register at the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Using this register, we performed a population-based case-control study from 2007 to 2012 of 945 cases and 9390 controls. Exposure data on comorbidity, hospitalization, in- and outpatient antibiotic consumption and socio-economic status were collected from hospital and health registers.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of EPE BSI was 1.7 per 100 000 person-years. The 30-day mortality was 11.3%. Urological disorders inferred the highest EPE BSI risk, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.32 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 3.41-5.47), followed by immunological disorders, aOR 3.54 (CI 2.01-6.23), haematological malignancy, aOR 2.77 (CI 1.57-4.87), solid tumours, aOR 2.28 (1.76-2.94) and diabetes, aOR 2.03 (1.58-2.61). Consumption of fluoroquinolones or mostly non-EPE-active antibiotics with selective Gram-negative spectrum of activity within the previous 3 months was associated with EPE BSI, aORs 5.52 (CI 2.8-11.0) and 3.8, CI 1.9-7.7) respectively. There was a dose-response relationship in EPE BSI risk with increasing number of consecutive regimens. Antibiotic consumption >3 months before EPE BSI was not associated with increased risk. Higher age, malignancies and education ≤12 years (aORs >2) were associated with increased 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted interventions should be directed towards improving care for patients with immunosuppression, urological disorders and subjects with lower socio-economic status. Antibiotic stewardship should focus on reduction of fluoroquinolones.