Antimicrobial utilization and bacterial resistance at three different hospitals

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Pharmacy

Background:

• Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern.
• Antibiotic use is a primary driver of antimicrobial resistance.
• Understanding local resistance patterns is vital for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess antimicrobial drug consumption across different Croatian hospital types.
• To evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns in relation to usage.
• To identify factors influencing resistance in hospital settings.

Main Methods:

• Observational study analyzing antimicrobial drug consumption (defined daily doses per 100 bed days).
• Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility test results from hospital microbiology laboratories.
• Data collected from pharmacy records and laboratory data over six months in 1997.

Main Results:

• High rates of antimicrobial utilization and bacterial resistance were observed in all three surveyed hospitals.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic use was prevalent in two general hospitals, while narrow-spectrum agents were more common in the infectious diseases clinic.
• The highest antimicrobial consumption and resistance rates were found at the University Hospital Center (UHC) in Rijeka.

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the link between high antimicrobial utilization and emergent resistance.
• Preventing the initial emergence of resistance is the most effective strategy against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
• Implementing rational and strict antibiotic policies is essential for optimizing antimicrobial use and combating resistance.