Persistent Gram-negative Bloodstream Infection Increases the Risk of Recurrent Bloodstream Infection With the Same Species

The association between persistent gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI), or ongoing positive cultures, and recurrent GN-BSI has not been investigated. Among 992 adults, persistent GN-BSI was associated with increased recurrent GN-BSI with the same bacterial species and strain (6% vs 2%; P = .04). Persistent GN-BSI may be a marker of complicated infection. Patients with persistent gram-negative bloodstream infections (ie, ongoing positive blood cultures) were at increased risk of recurrent gram-negative bloodstream infection (ie, initial clearance of infection followed by later return of infection) with the same bacterial species and strain.