Frequency and characteristics of multi-resistant bacteria in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at higher risk of infections due to invasive procedures and antibiotic therapy. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria represent a global problem, limiting the choice of antimicrobial therapy. Objective: To determine the rate of infections in ICUs, as well as the type of MDR bacteria associated with such infections. Material and methods: The study included strains of MDR bacteria isolated from laboratory samples of hospitalized patients in surgical ICUs in a one-year period. All strains of MDR bacteria were isolated and identified by standard microbiological methods for aerobic bacteria according to the recommendations and guidelines are given by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Infections caused by MDR bacterial isolates were confirmed in 199 (19.17%) patients in ICUs. The frequency of Gram-negative isolates was significantly higher than Gram-positive (88.35% and 11.65%, p <0.001). The most common infections in ICUs caused by MDR bacteria were respiratory tract infections (49%), followed by soft tissue and skin infections. The CDI incidence density 1.13 cases/10,000 patient-days. Conclusion: A high frequency of infections caused by MDR bacteria was found with patients in ICUs, and respiratory tract infections dominated. Information on the types of infections and pathogens can help develop policies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and resource allocation.