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Carbapenem-resistant Providencia spp.: the threat at the door
Onur Ozalp1, Baran Ortakci1, Selda Komec2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Providencia species are emerging opportunistic pathogens associated with nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients and those with prolonged hospital stays. The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Providencia spp. poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to limited treatment options.
Aim:
To evaluate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with carbapenem-resistant and carbapenem-susceptible Providencia spp.
Methods:
A retrospective, observational study was conducted, including hospitalized patients with Providencia spp. isolates between January 1st, 2020 and January 1st, 2024. Patients were stratified based on carbapenem susceptibility. Clinical data, risk factors, and mortality rates were compared between carbapenem-resistant and carbapenem-susceptible cases. Statistical analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for carbapenem resistance.
Findings:
Among 118 Providencia-associated infections, 53 (44.9%) were carbapenem-resistant. Providencia rettgeri was the predominant species (67.8%), with a significantly higher carbapenem resistance rate than P. stuartii (P = 0.003). Carbapenem-resistant infections were most commonly urinary tract infections (58.5%), while carbapenem-susceptible infections were more frequently associated with skin and soft tissue infections (40.0%) (P < 0.001). Carbapenem-resistant cases exhibited longer hospital stays, increased ICU admissions, and higher mortality rates (P < 0.05). Risk factors for carbapenem resistance included prior ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheterization, and prior carbapenem use.
Conclusion:
Carbapenem-resistant Providencia infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Given the limited therapeutic options, infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programmes should be strengthened. Further large-scale studies are needed to characterize resistance mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies.
Insights
Carbapenem-resistant Providencia infections, often caused by P. rettgeri, lead to worse outcomes and higher mortality. Strengthening infection control and antimicrobial stewardship is crucial for managing these challenging nosocomial infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Providencia species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic nosocomial pathogens.
- Carbapenem-resistant Providencia spp. present a significant therapeutic challenge due to limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of carbapenem-resistant versus carbapenem-susceptible Providencia spp. infections.
- To identify independent risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance in Providencia isolates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of hospitalized patients with Providencia spp. isolates (2020-2024).
- Stratification of patients based on carbapenem susceptibility.
- Comparison of clinical data, risk factors, and mortality rates between resistant and susceptible groups.
Main Results:
- 44.9% of 118 Providencia infections were carbapenem-resistant, predominantly P. rettgeri.
- Carbapenem-resistant infections were linked to longer hospital stays, ICU admissions, and higher mortality.
- Risk factors for resistance included prior ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheterization, and prior carbapenem use.
Conclusions:
- Carbapenem-resistant Providencia infections are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
- Enhanced infection control and antimicrobial stewardship are essential.
- Further research is needed on resistance mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies.
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