Survey of blood culture isolates in an area of Sweden from 1980 to 1986.

To demonstrate the local epidemiological situation with respect to septicemia in an area of Sweden, a survey was made of all blood cultures performed in the county of Orebro (270,000 inhabitants) from 1980 to 1986. From these blood cultures 4,057 organisms presumed clinically significant were isolated which gives an annual incidence of 215 isolates per 100,000 inhabitants. The two most frequently isolated species were Escherichia coli (24.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.9%). Only minor annual variations in the frequency of different species was observed. An increasing tendency in the isolation rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterococci since 1980 was noted. Comparison of the findings of the present study with those of other studies demonstrated differences between geographical areas and time-periods. Repeated monitoring of the local spectrum of organisms isolated from blood cultures and, if necessary, adjustment of the routine antibiotic regimen is thus recommended.