Study of Management Practices of Bacteremia in a Referral Service in Dakar, Senegal (2018–2022)

Introduction: bacteremia remains a public health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the studies carried out on this subject in our context has looked at how bacteremia is managed. We therefore undertook this study to assess the management practices of bacteremia at the infectious and Tropical diseases department.

Methods: this was a retrospective and descriptive study based on the analysis of records of patients hospitalized at Infectious and Tropical diseases department of Fann national university hospital in Dakar, Senegal. This study covered a five-year period, extending from January 1st 2018, to December 31 2022.

Results: During our study period, 213 patients were enrolled. The sex ratio was 1.13. The average age was 45.6 ± 17.5 years. Most patients (63.4%) had at least one comorbidity. Thirty-two percent (32%) had a history of recent hospitalization, and 25% had received recent antibiotic therapy. During the study period, 231 bacterial strains were isolated. Gram-positive cocci accounted for 68%, and Gram-negative bacilli for 32%. The main bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (30.3%). Empiric antibiotic therapy had been initiated in 81% of patients. Following antibiotic susceptibility testing, 61% of patients had their antibiotic therapy readjusted. In 61% of cases, the therapeutic protocol was deemed unsuitable, in line with the recommendations of Senegal's national antibiotic guide and international recommendations.

Conclusion: Bacteremias are common infections with significant morbidity and mortality that require a thorough understanding to improve management strategies and reduce AMR. In our context of low-income countries, following treatment guidelines is key to reducing AMR.