[Epidemiology of the infection by resistant Gram-positive microorganisms]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram-positive microorganisms poses a significant therapeutic challenge.
• Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci in Spain has shown stabilization over the past decade.
• Vancomycin resistance in enterococci remains below 5%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current landscape of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria in Spain.
• To evaluate the activity of newer antimicrobials like linezolid and daptomycin against resistant Gram-positive pathogens.
• To highlight emerging resistance trends in intensive care unit (ICU) isolates.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns in Gram-positive bacteria.
• Analysis of resistance rates for methicillin, vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin.
• Focus on bacterial isolates from Spanish healthcare settings, particularly ICUs.

Main Results:

• Methicillin resistance rates in Staphylococcus aureus (25-30%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (50-60%) have stabilized.
• Vancomycin resistance in enterococci is less than 5%.
• Concerning resistance rates were observed for Staphylococcus epidermidis against linezolid (20.9%) and Enterococcus faecium against daptomycin (10.5%) in ICU isolates.

Conclusions:

• While overall resistance to some agents has stabilized, specific emerging resistance to linezolid and daptomycin in ICU settings is a critical concern.
• Continued monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility is essential to guide effective treatment strategies.
• The findings underscore the need for vigilant surveillance and stewardship to combat evolving Gram-positive bacterial resistance.