Antibiotic Susceptibility Evaluation in Bacterial Infections from Orthopedic Inpatients with Leg Trauma

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global healthcare systems.
• Its specific effects on orthopedic infection epidemiology are not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pandemic-driven changes in leg trauma-related orthopedic infections.
• To analyze shifts in patient demographics, bacterial ecology, and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of 173 patients with orthopedic infections.
• Analysis of data from pre- (June 2018-Dec 2022) and post-policy adjustment (Dec 2022-May 2025) periods in China.
• Comparison of patient age, hospital stay duration, bacterial prevalence, and antibiotic resistance.

Main Results:

• Patients in the post-policy period were significantly younger with shorter hospital stays.
• A decline in Staphylococcus aureus and emergence of Enterococcus faecium were observed.
• Increased resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and lincosamides, alongside improved beta-lactam resistance.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence increased, but glycopeptides and lipopeptides remained effective.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrably altered orthopedic infection characteristics.
• Updated antibiotic protocols and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship are crucial for managing these evolving infections.