Introduction:

Bacteremia is a condition with high mortality, and blood cultures are essential for its diagnosis. Although they have low sensitivity, the rational use of these cultures allows for early etiological detection and reduces the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Objective:

To describe the bacteriological and antimicrobial resistance profile in blood cultures of patients hospitalized in the emergency room, medical clinic room, and intensive care unit of the Rigoberto Caballero Central Police Hospital, Asunción, Paraguay, during the period from February 2023 to February 2025.

Methodology:

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective design was used, with non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. Patients over 18 years of age admitted to the aforementioned hospital were included, and blood cultures were performed according to standardized protocols. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results:

In total, 1,326 blood cultures were evaluated, of which 75 (5.65%) were positive for pathogenic germs. The main microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (24%), S. epidermidis (18.66%), and Acinetobacter baumannii complex (5.33%). Of the positive cultures, 58.66% came from the intensive care unit and 40% of isolates were multidrug resistant. A. baumannii showed multidrug resistance in 100% of cases, followed by E. coli (66.66%) and S. haemolyticus (50%). No vancomycin resistance was reported in staphylococci. High levels of oxacillin resistance were observed, especially in S. haemolyticus (100%) and S. epidermidis (78.57%).

Conclusion:

Oxacillin-resistant Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacteria, notably E. coli and A. baumannii, with resistance to quinolones, cephalosporins, and piperacillin-tazobactam, predominated in blood cultures. The burden of multidrug-resistant bacteria was high, especially in patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

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