Limited clinical utility of follow-up blood cultures in patients with streptococcal bacteremia: an opportunity for blood culture stewardship
Abstract
Background: The value of positive follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in streptococcal bacteremia has not been well defined. Therefore, we explored the frequency of and risk factors for positive FUBC in a retrospective cohort of patients with streptococcal bacteremia.
Methods: Adults ≥18 years of age, admitted with at least 1 positive blood culture for
Results: In our single-center cohort, we identified 590 patients with streptococcal bacteremia, and 314 patients met inclusion criteria. Ten patients had FUBC with
Conclusions: Follow-up blood cultures among patients with streptococcal BSI are rarely positive. Clinicians could consider limiting follow-up blood cultures in patients at low risk for deep-seated streptococcal infections, persistent bacteremia, or endovascular infection.