The prevalence of Carbapenem Resistance Gram negative pathogens in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Jordan

AbstractBackgroundWith the absence of new antimicrobial drugs being developed to replace those facing resistance, bacterial resistance continues to grow. Despite previous studies conducted in various countries, there is a lack of comprehensive local reporting on the occurrence of carbapenem resistance among gram-negative bacteria.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial isolates.MethodA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an academic hospital in Jordan over an eight-month period, spanning from November 2021 to June 2022. The study involved screening electronic medical records to identify patients with clinical cultures showing the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility results of the Gram-negative isolates were recorded.ResultsA total of 1,043 isolated Gram-negative bacteria were analyzed for carbapenem susceptibility. Among the species tested, the most common carbapenem-resistant bacteria wereAcinetobacter baumannii(153/164, 93.3%), followed byKlebsiella pneumonia(184/311, 59.2%), andPseudomonas aeruginosa(67/160, 41.9%). The least commonly isolated species resistant to carbapenem wereEscherichia coli(25/361, 6.9%) andProteus mirabilis(1/30, 3.3%). None ofSerratia marcescensorProteus vulgarisisolates were resistant to carbapenem (0%). Overall, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistance gram-negative isolates was 41.2% (430 out of 1,043).ConclusionThis study provides population-specific data that are crucial for guiding empirical antimicrobial treatment decisions not only within the participating hospital but also in other nearby healthcare facilities. The results underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address antibiotic resistance in Jordan. Comprehensive measures such as strict infection control methods, annual nationwide surveillance programs, and effective antimicrobial stewardship programs at the national level are imperative to reduce the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics.