Evaluation of Pathogens Isolated from Central Venous Catheters Used for Cardiovascular Interventions

Objective: To evaluate the isolated pathogens in patients who underwent central venous catheterization due to cardiovascular procedures. Materials and Methods: Patients were monitored daily for the development of catheter related infections. Between April 2017 and July 2019, patients who exhibited infection symptoms like discharge, fever, pain, lymphadenopathy and itching after the catheterization were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ catheter types, catheter insertion sites, total catheterization durations, culture results, sensitivities and resistances of pathogens against antimicrobial drugs were recorded and analyzed.Results: Eighty-six patients who underwent central venous catheterization due to various indications were included. Mean age of patients was 52.70±17.82 years. Bacterial growth was found in 62.79% of patients. The most common catheter insertion sites were right subclavian vein, right jugular vein and right femoral vein. The most commonly isolated microorganism was S. aureus by 25.58% followed by E.coli (6.98%), S. haemolyticus (5.81%) and K.pneumonia (5.81%). S. aureus was detected to be sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusion: Factors affecting incidence of these infections include catheter insertion site, catheterization duration, catheter selection and skills of the practitioners. Data in literature about the pathogens isolated in catheter-related infections and their sensitivity and resistance to antimicrobial agents are mostly old. Further comprehensive, multicenter studies are needed on this issue.