Investigation of Actinomyces spp. bacteraemia and associated 1 year mortality in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

• Main Authors: Guy Mollett, Aleks Marek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-11-01
• Series: Clinical Infection in Practice
• Subjects: Actinomyces; Bacteraemia; Mortality
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590170221000212

Objectives: To ascertain the number of Actinomyces spp. bacteraemias in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) and investigate current treatment advice and associated outcomes. Methods: Retrospective observational study of all Actinomyces spp. Bacteraemias in NHS GGC from January 2017 to July 2019. All samples were identified using Biomerieux VITEK MS MALDI-ToF. Patient notes were reviewed for advice provided by the microbiology department and patient outcomes. Results: 45 patients were positive during the 30 month period with 7 species of actinomyces isolated. A. viscosus was the most frequent organism identified (n = 21, 47%). Co-infection occurred in 16 patients (36%). 8 (18%) patients received targeted antibiotic advice from the microbiology department and 3 (7%) received long-term antibiotic therapy (>28 days). 12 (27%) patients passed away within 1 year of the positive blood culture with 2 deaths directly associated with their Actinomyces spp. Infection. Conclusions: Actinomyces spp. Bacteraemia is associated with a very high 1 year mortality risk despite minimal association between infection and cause of death. Further investigation is required of the natural history of this infection and any necessity for increased clinical investigation and management.