Incidence Trends in Pathogen-Specific Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in US Intensive Care Units, 1990–2010

Abstract

Objective.To quantify historical trends in rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in US intensive care units (ICUs) caused by major pathogen groups, includingCandidaspp.,Enterococcusspp., specified gram-negative rods, andStaphylococcus aureus.Design.Active surveillance in a cohort of participating ICUs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system during 1990–2004, and the National Healthcare Safety Network during 2006–2010.Setting.ICUS.Participants.Patients who were admitted to participating ICUs.Results.The CLABSI incidence density rate forS. aureusdecreased annually starting in 2002 and remained lower than for other pathogen groups. Since 2006, the annual decrease forS. aureusCLABSIs in nonpediatric ICU types was −18.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], −20.8% to −15.8%), whereas the incidence density rate forS. aureusamong pediatric ICUs did not change. The annual decrease for all ICUs combined since 2006 was −17.8% (95% CI, −19.4% to −16.1%) forEnterococcusspp., −16.4% (95% CI, −18.2% to −14.7%) for gram-negative rods, and −13.5% (95% CI, −15.4% to −11.5%) forCandidaspp.Conclusions.Patterns of ICU CLABSI incidence density rates among major pathogen groups have changed considerably during recent decades. CLABSI incidence declined steeply since 2006, except for CLABSI due toS. aureusin pediatric ICUs. There is a need to better understand CLABSIs that still do occur, on the basis of microbiological and patient characteristics. New prevention approaches may be needed in addition to central line insertion and maintenance practices.