Decrease of hospital- and community-acquired bloodstream infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A time-series analysis in Paris region

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes was assessed in 25 university hospitals of Paris. Monthly BSIs incidence rates that appeared stable in 2018 and 2019, decreased for the 2 pathogens during the 2 COVID-19 lockdown periods of 2020. Containment policies, including social distancing, masking and hand hygiene strengthening in both community and hospital settings are likely to reduce BSIs due to these pathogens.

Keywords: Bloodstream infection incidence; COVID-19; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes.