Risk factors and outcomes of bloodstream infection from a urinary source in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background Bacteriuria is common among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Risk factors and outcomes associated with bloodstream infection due to a urinary source (BSIU) in KTR are poorly understood. Methods This single center case‐control study from 2010 to 2022 compared KTR with BSIU to those with bacteria without bloodstream infection (BU). Multivariable logistic regression identified BSIU risk factors, and Cox models assessed its impact on graft failure. Results Among 3435 patients, who underwent kidney transplantation at Emory Hospital, 757 (22%) developed bacteriuria, among whom 142 (18.8%) were BSIU. Male sex, presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae , or Pseudomonas species in urine culture, urethral stricture, neuromuscular bladder disorder, and history of diabetes‐induced renal failure were independently associated with increased odds of BSIU (Male sex: aOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.52, 3.47, E . coli : aOR 5.14, 95% CI 3.02, 9.13; K. pneumoniae aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.65, 6.27, Pseudomonas spp aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.25, 7.18; urethral stricture: 4.10, 95% CI 1.63, 10.3, neuromuscular bladder disorder aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.09, 3.53, diabetes: aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08, 2.49). BSIU was associated with increased hazard of graft failure (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05, 2.20). Conclusion Close monitoring is warranted for male KTR with bacteriuria, those with urine cultures positive for Pseudomonas spp , K. pneumoniae , or E. coli , as well as KTR with a history of diabetes‐induced renal failure, urethral stricture, or neuromuscular bladder disorder due to their risk for developing BSIU. Future research should explore strategies to mitigate BSIU risk in these high‐risk KTR and reduce the associated risk of long‐term graft failure.