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Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia from vascular catheter — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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HardInfectious diseasesStaphylococcus aureus bacteraemia from vascular catheterRACP Adult Medicine

A 60-year-old haemodialysis patient has fever and rigors during dialysis. Blood cultures from peripheral vein and catheter grow methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. The catheter exit site is tender with purulent discharge. What is the most likely cause?

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Correct answer: D — Catheter-related bloodstream infection

Temporal association with dialysis, concordant blood cultures and purulent catheter exit-site findings indicate catheter-related S aureus bacteraemia. Urine contamination and viral illness do not produce repeated S aureus blood cultures. Culture-negative endocarditis and drug fever do not fit the catheter source evidence.

Reference: Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) Antibiotic; renal dialysis infection guidance