Increase in the frequency of catheter-related bloodstream infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: a plea for control.

ABSTRACT: Introduction The incidence of nosocomial infections including ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacteraemia has been described during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of Catheter-Related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) is very limited. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the evolution of CR-BSIs in a large hospital Material and Methods Retrospective study comparing the incidence, aetiology and outcome of CR-BSIs during the months of March to May 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic). Results The number of patients with one or more CR-BSIs in 2019 and 2020 were 23 and 58 respectively (1.89 vs 5.53/ 1,000 admissions); p Conclusion A dramatic increase of CR-BSIs was found during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reinforcement of classic and new preventive measures are necessary.