Pattern and Risk Factors of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Associated Bacterial Infections in Suez Canal University

Abstract

Background: Recent years showed marked changes in the incidence rate of upper gastroendoscopy associated infections as well as resistance to common antimicrobial agents denoting change in the pattern and possibility of emergence of resistant strains or change in the common causative agents of these infections. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of upper endoscopy associated bacterial infections as well as the most risk factors among patients underwent this procedure in Suez Canal University Hospital. Methodology: This study included patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms eligible for diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions upper gastrointestinal endoscopies after giving written consent. Routine hematological investigations such as TLC, ESR and CRP along with blood culture tests which were done on Day zero and after endoscopy on day three and were performed for every patient. Results: The current study involved 125 patients. The incidence rate of bacterial infection was 4% estimated by blood culture. All patients with positive blood cultures were significantly associated with patients who have chronic liver disease (p=0.015). Moreover, all patients with positive blood cultures had hematemesis and /or melena. All patients with positive blood cultures had an intervention, where 40% had band ligation and 60% had sclerotherapy. Conclusion: Diagnostic and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies still associated with occurrence of bacterial infection. Therefore, endoscopies should undergo high level of disinfectants.