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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Multidrug-Resistant Hospital Bacteria: Epidemiological Factors and Susceptibility Profile
Marisa Castro Jara1,2, Andressa Vieira Frediani2, Fabiane Knepper Zehetmeyer1
1Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Abstract:
Increase in antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics is the product of the evolution and natural adaptation of microorganisms through mutations and genetic recombination caused by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the ineffective control and prevention of infection. The current study analyzes the profile of multiresistant hospital bacteria in two hospitals in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Over the course of 4 months, patient's gender and age, hospital accommodation type, and sample site were evaluated. Two hundred and eighty-six microbiological culture antibiogram reports of hospitalized patients and outpatients of both sexes, between zero and 96 years of age, were analyzed. Bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent. The most resistant Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were K. pneumoniae (27.5%); Acinetobacter baumannii (24.1%); Escherichia coli (14.7%); and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.5%). The most resistant Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were Enterococcus faecium (27.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25.5%). The classes of antibiotics with the greatest number of resistant GNB included penicillins (84.8%), quinolones (77.5%), and cephalosporins (75.7%). In the case of GPC, the most resistant were macrolides (95.4%); lincosamides (90.3%), and penicillins (77%). Among GNBs, polypeptides had the highest sensitivity rate (81.3%), whereas, among GPC, fusidanes, glycylcyclines, and lipopeptides had 100% sensitivity.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, are prevalent in Pelotas, Brazil. High resistance rates were observed in Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci against common antibiotics, necessitating urgent antimicrobial stewardship.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat driven by microbial evolution and antibiotic misuse.
- This study investigated the prevalence and resistance profiles of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in two hospitals in Pelotas, Brazil.
Discussion:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated bacterium, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Gram-negative bacilli (GNB).
- Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus showed high resistance rates among Gram-positive cocci (GPC).
- Significant resistance was noted for penicillins, quinolones, and cephalosporins against GNB, and macrolides, lincosamides, and penicillins against GPC.
Key Insights:
- The study identified specific bacterial pathogens and their resistance patterns in a Brazilian hospital setting.
- High rates of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics underscore the challenge of treating bacterial infections.
- Polypeptides demonstrated high sensitivity against GNB, while fusidanes, glycylcyclines, and lipopeptides were effective against GPC.
Outlook:
- Findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced infection control and antimicrobial stewardship programs in the region.
- Further research is warranted to monitor resistance trends and inform treatment guidelines.
- Development of novel antimicrobial agents and alternative therapies is crucial to combat MDR infections.
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