Trends in Antibiotic Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Greece
Author Information
Author(s): Maria Lagadinou, Marina Amerali, Christos Michailides, Anna Chondroleou, Katerina Skintzi, Anastasia Spiliopoulou, Fevronia Kolonitsiou, Leonidia Leonidou, Stelios F. Assimakopoulos, Markos Marangos
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Patras
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacteria in a tertiary hospital in Western Greece over the last eight years?
Conclusion
The study found alarmingly high rates of antimicrobial resistance and extensive drug resistance among Gram-negative pathogens, necessitating improved infection control measures.
Supporting Evidence
- 69.3% of the studied isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR).
- Acinetobacter baumannii had the highest percentage of XDR isolates at 34.3%.
- Most XDR pathogens were isolated from the ICU (73.4%).
- Resistance rates for Acinetobacter baumannii to colistin increased from 8.4% to 49.3% over the study period.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae showed increased colistin-resistance rates in 2022 and 2023.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa had a high resistance rate to amikacin, reaching 87.5% in 2023.
- Effective management of these infections requires improved infection control and antibiotic stewardship.
- The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and control measures.
Takeaway
This study shows that many bacteria in hospitals are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections. We need to be more careful with how we use antibiotics.
Methodology
The study documented all bloodstream isolates of carbapenem-resistant bacteria from patients hospitalized at the University General Hospital of Patras from January 2016 to December 2023.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and lacks MIC data for new agents, limiting strict categorization of microorganisms.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.017
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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