Population-based burden of bloodstream infections in Finland

AbstractBloodstream infections (BSI) are a major cause of mortality, morbidity and medical cost, but few population-based studies have concomitantly evaluated BSI incidence and mortality. Data on BSI episodes reported to national, population-based surveillance by all clinical microbiology laboratories in Finland during 2004–07 were linked to vital statistics. Age-, sex and microbe-specific incidence and mortality rates were calculated. During 2004–07, 33 473 BSI episodes were identified; BSI incidence increased from 147 to 168 per 100 000 population (average annual increase, 4.4%; p <0.001). Rates were highest among persons ≥65 years and <1 year, and higher among male patients than female patients (166 versus 152 per 100 000). The most common aetiologies were Escherichia coli (27%) and Staphylococcus aureus (13%). Among male patients, 52% of BSI were caused by gram-positive bacteria compared with 42% among female patients (p