Microbial load in UTI, LRTI, BSI among acute ischemic stroke patients

TL;DR

This study examines infection rates in stroke patients, finding that UTIs are most common and E. coli is a frequent pathogen.

Contribution

The study provides insights into microbial patterns in stroke patients, emphasizing early detection to prevent secondary infections.

Findings

UTIs were the most common infection (48.3%) among acute ischemic stroke patients.

E. coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen in stroke patients.

Regular screening and clinical practices can reduce secondary infections in stroke patients.

Abstract

The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and blood stream infections in Acute
Ischemic Stroke patients is of interest. Hence, a prospective cohort study was conducted on 60 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted
within 48 hours from onset of stroke under department of Neurology, tertiary care hospital between Jan 2024 to July 2024. The mean age
of the patients was 67.8 years. The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 10.2 ± 3.8 indicating
moderate stroke severities. Samples from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients were were processed microbiologically for the presence of
potential pathogens using standard microbial procedures and antibiotic susceptibility tests performed using disc diffusion technique.
Production of AmpC Beta Lactamase, Carbapenemase and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected by
routinely used phenotypic methods. Most of the infection identified was UTI (48.3%) followed by lower respiratory tract infections 33.3%
and the common microbial isolates were E. coli (33.3%) in majority of the acute stroke patients. Thus, regular
screening for infections in stroke patients through clinical observation and microbiological testing (e.g.,
cultures, blood tests) can help in early treatment and implementing best practices for rehabilitation, including mobility support,
nutrition and skin care, can lower the risk of secondary infections.