Deciphering risk factors for blood stream infections, bacteria species and antimicrobial resistance profiles among children under five years of age in North-Western Tanzania: a multicentre study in a cascade of referral health care system

Abstract Background Blood stream infections (BSIs) cause a complex cascade of inflammatory events, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in children in Tanzania. This study was designed to delineate circulating bacterial species, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and risk factors for BSIs and mortality among children in the cascade of referral health care facilities so as to guide comprehensive BSIs management. Methods A multiple cross sectional analytical study was conducted between July 20, 2016 to October 04, 2017 involving 950 children less than five years of age in the North-western part of Tanzania. Children with clinical features suggestive of BSIs were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information on culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was collected from children; and analyzed using STATA version 13.0 software. Results The prevalence of BSIs among children was 14.2% (95% CI: 12.1–16.6%), with specific prevalence in the district, regional and tertiary hospitals being 8.3, 6.4 and 20.0%, respectively. The most common bacterial pathogens isolated from 135 culture-positive children were Klebsiella pneumoniae (55, 40.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (23, 17.0%), and Escherichia coli (17, 12.6%). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was higher in isolates from children at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) tertiary hospital than isolates from district and regional hospitals [OR (95% CI): 6.36 (2.15–18.76); p = 0.001]. Independent risk factors for BSIs were neonatal period [OR (95% CI): 1.93 (1.07–3.48); p = 0.003] and admission at BMC [2.01 (1.08–3.74); p = 0.028)]. Approximately 6.6% (61/932) of children died, and risk factors for mortality were found to be children attending BMC [OR (95% CI): 4.95 (1.95–12.5); p = 0.001)], neonatal period [OR (95% CI): 2.25 (1.02–5.00); p = 0.045)], and children who had blood culture positive results [OR (95% CI): 1.95 (1.07–3.56); p = 0.028)]. Conclusions The prevalence of BSIs (14.2%) in this multi-centre study is high and predominantly caused by the MDR K. pneumoniae. Priority interventional measures to combat BSIs and mortality, specifically among neonates at BMC are urgently recommended.