Global Healthcare-Associated Bloodstream Infection among Inpatients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated or nosocomial infections are among the most common infections and potential threats to patients and remain a significant problem for healthcare workers. Similarly, healthcare-associated blood­stream infections are the most common healthcare-associated infection. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the global and regional prevalence of healthcare-associated bloodstream infection among inpatients.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were retrieved from databases and other search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and MedNar using Boolean operators, MeSH terms, and relevant keywords. Data was extracted using an Excel form created by the au­thors. Data analysis was performed using comprehensive meta-analysis software version 4 with random effects. The quality of articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the impact of extreme values on overall estimates.

Results: A total of 1681 studies were searched from the included electronic databases and other search engines. Fi­nally, 36 articles conducted on 937,412 inpatients were included in the current study. The findings from the current review revealed that the global prevalence of bloodstream infection was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8%, 1.70%). Based on the World Health Organization’s region and survey period, the highest prevalence of healthcare-associated bloodstream infection reported between 2019 and 2023 was 4.2% (95% CI: 1.2%, 13.4%) and in the African region (3.5%: 95% CI: 1.1%, 10.6%).

Conclusions: This review found that at least one in 100 patients is infected with a healthcare-associated bloodstream infection. The prevalence varies in different regions of the world, with the highest prevalence reported in the African region. The findings from the current review indicate the need to implement effective infection prevention and control to prevent healthcare-associated bloodstream infections.