Bacteremias: a leading cause of death.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs), recognized to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, are increasing in incidence. The reported rates of crude and attributable mortality vary, possibly due to heterogeneity in patient populations and methodology. Few studies, however, have focused on pathogen-specific attributable mortality. These studies include S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and enterococcus. Other studies of attributable mortality have been conducted in select populations such as nosocomial and community-acquired cohorts, intensive care units, neutropenic patients, and HIV-positive patients. Regrettably, despite advances in treatment and intensive care facilities, mortality remains high.