The positivity of the blood culture examinations among tested
specimens from patients with suspected sepsis was estimated by
meta-analysis to combine eligible studies. Likewise, the proportions
of Gram (+) bacteria, Gram () bacteria, and fungus among all identified microorganisms from positive blood culture were
estimated by meta-analysis using the same approach. All
meta-analyses were performed using a random effect model.
Subgroup analysis was performed among different regions of
China, as well as among different time periods. Additional
subgroup analysis was performed among neonatal or pediatric
patients. The relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals
(CIs) of the synthesized positivity of blood cultures or proportion
of microorganisms between different subgroups were calculated
based on the estimated percentage and the sample size of each
subgroup.