Antimicrobial Resistance Trends at a Pediatric Hospital in Guatemala City, 2005-2019

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Global Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant and growing global health threat.
• Monitoring AMR trends is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in antimicrobial resistance rates for pediatric bacterial bloodstream infections.
• To identify specific resistant pathogens and resistance mechanisms prevalent in Guatemala.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of bacterial isolates from pediatric blood cultures (2005-2019).
• Identification of bacterial species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Detection of specific resistance genes, including New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM).

Main Results:

• Significant increase in Gram-negative bacterial resistance over the study period.
• High prevalence of carbapenem-resistant *Acinetobacter baumannii* and *Klebsiella pneumoniae*.
• Detection of the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) gene in resistant isolates.

Conclusions:

• Guatemala is experiencing a concerning rise in pediatric Gram-negative bacterial resistance.
• Carbapenem resistance, particularly NDM-producing strains, is a significant challenge in this population.
• Urgent interventions are needed to combat escalating antimicrobial resistance.