J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2025 Feb;27(1):144-156. 10.7586/jkbns.25.003.

Epidemiological characteristics of hospital-onset bloodstream infections and risk factors for peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections at a general hospital in South Korea: a retrospective case-control study

• Kim CE
• Lee SM

• KMID: 2565144
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.25.003

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the incidence of hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HOBSI) and risk factors for HOBSI among patients with peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) at a general hospital.
Methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients hospitalized between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2023. The case group included 31 patients diagnosed with bloodstream infections, while the control group included 93 patients without bloodstream infections. The control group were matched to the case group at a 1:3 ratio using propensity score matching. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis.
Results
The incidence density per 1,000 patient-days was 0.61 for HOBSI-1, 0.40 for HOBSI-2, and 0.25 for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Approximately 70%-80% of bloodstream infections were found to occur in general wards. Multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged hospital stays (odds ratio [OR] =1.03) and liver cirrhosis (OR = 14.76) were significant risk factors for PVC-associated bloodstream infection (PVC-BSI). The mortality rate in the case group was significantly higher, with a 22.08-fold increased risk compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study revealed that HOBSI had a higher incidence rate than CLABSI, with the majority of cases occurring in general wards. HOBSI surveillance demonstrated relatively higher sensitivity, which can be beneficial for identifying bloodstream infections in hospitals with low catheter usage. Given the high mortality risk, PVC-BSI require increased attention. This study provides valuable data for improving bloodstream infection prevention strategies.

Keyword

Catheter-related infections; Cross infection; Infection control; Bacteremia; 카테터관련 감염; 의료관련감염; 감염관리; 혈류감염