Epidemiology of intra-abdominal infections in Ukraine: results of a multicenter study (2014-2015)

Introduction: Intra-abdominal infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early clinical diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are the cornerstones in the management of all infections. The aim: Aim of our work was to obtain the first national estimates of the current prevalence of intra-abdominal infections and resistance of their causative agents to antibiotics in Ukrainian hospitals.

Materials and methods: In total of 1986 patients with microbiologically proven IAI were included in the study. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility to antibiotics of cultures were determined, using automated microbiology analyzer and Kirby - Bauer antibiotic testing.

Results: Among 1986 patients, 1404 (70.7%) community-acquired and 582 (29.3%) nosocomial infections were observed. Death during hospitalization was reported in 4.1% community-acquired cases and 7.7% nosocomial cases. The distribution of the microorganisms differed according to the nosocomial or community origin of the infection but not according to their location. In nosocomial patients were observed with increased proportions of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The carbapenems and amikacin were the most consistently active against Enterobacteriaceae. Against P. aeruginosa, amikacin, imipenem, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin were the most active agents in community-acquired infections, while imipenem, cefepime and amikacin were the most active agents in nosocomial cases.

Conclusions: The significant risk factors defined should be addressed preoperatively to decrease the risk for nosocomial infections. Antibiotics application tactics should be determined in accordance with the local data of resistance to them in each surgical hospital.