Characterization of Prescribing Practices for Uncomplicated Streptococcal and Enterococcal Bacteremias: the NARRATE Study

Background Bloodstream infections (BSIs) rank among the top causes of death in North America. Despite the prevalence of these infections, there remain significant practice variations in the prescribing of antibiotics. Objective To investigate current prescribing practices for management of uncomplicated streptococcal and enterococcal BSIs. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using charts for patients admitted to an acute care centre in British Columbia between November 16, 2019, and October 20, 2020. Adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) with a diagnosis of uncomplicated streptococcal or enterococcal BSI were included. Patients were excluded if they had polymicrobial bacteremia or deep-seated infection or had been admitted for no more than 48 hours. The primary outcomes were duration of antibiotic therapy (IV and oral) and time to appropriate oral therapy for treatment of BSI. The secondary outcomes were observed rates of re-initiation of antibiotics and readmission with recurrent BSI. Descriptive statistics were calculated and regression analysis was performed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results A total of 96 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median total duration of therapy for uncomplicated streptococcal and enterococcal BSI was about 2 weeks. Streptococcus pneumoniae BSIs were associated with a significantly shorter duration of IV therapy and were more likely to be associated with transition to oral antibiotics. No recurrent BSIs were observed in patients for whom therapy was transitioned to oral antibiotics. Conclusions Further study is warranted to explore shorter duration of antibiotic therapy and transition to oral therapy as treatment approaches for uncomplicated streptococcal and enterococcal BSI. Other outcomes of interest for future research include determining the optimal time for transition to oral therapy.