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[Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a multicenter study in 136 hospitals in Spain]

E Bouza1, F Garcia-Garrote, E Cercenado

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid. ebouza@microb.net

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a significant pathogen in Spain, frequently causing infections in the respiratory tract and urine. High resistance rates to certain antibiotics were observed, impacting patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with healthcare-associated infections.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of P. aeruginosa in Spanish hospitals.
  • To identify risk factors for mortality in patients with P. aeruginosa infections.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter study involving 136 Spanish hospitals.
  • Collection and analysis of 1014 P. aeruginosa isolates over one week.
  • Clinical follow-up of 529 patients to assess outcomes and identify mortality predictors.

Main Results:

  • P. aeruginosa was isolated from 5.3% of bacterial samples, predominantly from the lower respiratory tract, wounds, abscesses, and urine.
  • Serotypes O:1, O:4, and O:11 were most common, accounting for over 50% of isolates.
  • High activity (>85%) was observed for ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, and tobramycin, but resistance to ciprofloxacin (22.7%) and gentamicin (31.1%) was notable.
  • The incidence of P. aeruginosa infection was estimated at 88.4 per 100,000 inhabitants annually.
  • Mortality attributable to P. aeruginosa was 5%, with bacteremia and rapidly fatal underlying conditions as independent predictors.

Conclusions:

  • P. aeruginosa is a prevalent pathogen in Spain, with significant rates of community-acquired infections.
  • Antimicrobial resistance patterns necessitate careful selection of empirical therapy.
  • Effective management strategies should address risk factors such as bacteremia and underlying severe conditions.

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