[Epidemiology of gram negative bacterial septicemias: data from a Tunisian hospital (1996-1998)].

Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) septicemia are among the most serious infections encountered in the hospital since they generally occur on debilitated patients and are due to the multi-drug resistant bacteria. A retrospective study relating to 195 septicemia was carried out with an aim studying epidemiologic profile, predisposing factors, entry sites for micro-organisms, responsible GNB and their antibiotic susceptibility. GNB septicemia were mainly frequent in intensive care units (34%) and surgery (31%). Previous antibiotherapy, invasive procedures and surgical acts were the principal predisposing factors. The entry sites for micro-organisms remained unknown in 1/3 of the cases. The most common source of septicemia was the urinary tract infections. E. coli was the most frequent isolated bacteria (26%) in the community acquired spticemia whereas Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia (KES), Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were mainly encountered in nosocomial infections. Imipenem remained the most active betalactamin on GNB (2% of resistance) with amikacin (16% of resistance) among aminoglycosides. The rate of mortality was 18%. Hospitalization wards (intensive care units, surgery), entry sites unknown, septic shock syndrome were the main factors of prognosis. The development of immunology and molecular biology should improve the outcome of these infections but the preventive measures remain the most effective.