title: Bloodstream infections in NNICU: Blight on ICU stay.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are among the serious hospital-acquired infections. Data regarding BSIs in intensive care units (ICUs) are available but there is limited information regarding these infections in neurology and neurosurgery intensive care units (NNICUs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to find out the occurrence of BSI in NNICU patients of a tertiary care institute in India, along with the microbiological profile and risk factors associated with it.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred patients admitted in the NNICU of a tertiary care hospital for more than 24 h were included in the study. After detailed history, blood samples were collected from catheter hub and peripheral vein of all patients for culture, followed by identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing of the isolates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 100 patients, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) was detected in 16 patients. Five patients had secondary BSI, while 11 had central venous catheter (CVC)-related primary BSI. Gram-positive organisms constituted 64% of the isolates, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Increased duration of CVC was a significant risk factor for catheter-related BSI (CR-BSI).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BSIs pose a significant burden for NNICU patients, and increased duration of catheter insertion is a significant risk factor for CR-BSI.
authors: Department of Neurology, Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Man Mohan
authors: MM
authors: Mehndiratta
authors: Department of Neurology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Rajeev
authors: R
authors: Nayak
authors: Department of Microbiology, Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Sana
authors: S
authors: Ali
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Ajay
authors: A
authors: Sharma
keywords: Bloodstream infections (BSI); central venous catheter (CVC); neurocritical care; neurosurgery ICU