The clinical importance of microbiological findings in the diagnosis and management of bloodstream infections

This supplement is based on the proceedings of a Novartis-sponsored session at the 9th International Symposium of Modern Concepts in Endocarditis and Cardiovascular Infections, June 2007; for sponsorship details, see p. S244. Bloodstream infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Accurate identification of blood isolates to the species level and identification of the source of infection and/or the portal of entry are crucial for optimal management of these infections. These investigations—in addition to clinical findings and labo-ratory and imaging studies—are central to informing and directing efficient and effective diagnostic exami-nations and to choosing the optimal antimicrobial regimen. Four case studies that demonstrate the importance of identifying the causative agents and the source of infection are discussed to illustrate the central importance of microbiological findings in the diagnosis of bacteremia and bloodstream infections associated with infections at other sites. Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the United States, an es-timated 250,000 patients develop bacteremia or fun-gemia every year. Many infections are acquired in hos-pitals [1]. Rates of mortality associated with BSI in th