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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
Bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance patterns: a comprehensive analysis of health dynamics across
R Uppal1, M Rehan Uppal1, R Tahir2
1Islamabad Diagnostic Center - IDC, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health concern globally, and Pakistan is no exception. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics, inadequate regulation of their sale, and a lack of awareness contribute to the rising levels of AMR in the country. study presents a detailed analysis of blood and urine samples collected in Pakistan over various periods, focusing on pathogen prevalence, gender distribution, and age-wise patterns. From January 2013 to 2017, the North region exclusively contributed to the blood sample dataset, with Salmonella emerging as the primary pathogen, particularly affecting infants and neonates. Subsequently, from January 2017 to December 2020, a significant dataset emerged from the North and Punjab regions, with Salmonella and E.coli prevalent across all age groups, notably impacting adults and infants. In the period from January 2021 to the present, blood samples predominantly originated from the North and Punjab regions, with Salmonella and E.coli remaining significant pathogens, affecting adults and the elderly. Regarding urine samples, from January 2013 to December 2017, E.coli was the dominant pathogen, with females showing a higher susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among the elderly. Similarly, from January 2017 to December 2020, E.coli remained predominant, with UTIs more prevalent in females and the elderly. In the most recent period, the North region significantly contributed to UTI cases, with E.coli remaining predominant and females exhibiting a higher susceptibility, especially among the elderly. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the epidemiology of blood and urinary tract infections in Pakistan, informing public health strategies and interventions aimed at addressing these health challenges.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan is rising due to antibiotic misuse. Salmonella and E. coli are key pathogens in blood and urinary tract infections, affecting various age groups, especially infants and the elderly.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- * Public Health Microbiology
- * Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance
Background:
- * Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, with Pakistan facing escalating challenges.
- * Factors contributing to AMR in Pakistan include antibiotic misuse, poor regulation, and low public awareness.
- * Understanding pathogen prevalence and demographic patterns is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze the epidemiological trends of blood and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Pakistan.
- * To identify prevalent pathogens, their distribution across different regions, and demographic patterns (age, gender).
- * To provide data-driven insights for developing targeted public health strategies against infections in Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- * Retrospective analysis of blood and urine sample data collected in Pakistan from January 2013 to the present.
- * Categorization of data by geographical region (North, Punjab), time period, sample type (blood, urine), pathogen, age group, and gender.
- * Statistical examination of pathogen prevalence and demographic associations.
Main Results:
- * Bloodstream infections: Salmonella was prominent in infants/neonates (2013-2017). Salmonella and E. coli became prevalent across all ages, particularly adults and infants (2017-2020), and persisted in adults and the elderly (2021-present).
- * Urinary tract infections: E. coli dominated, with higher prevalence in females, especially the elderly, across all study periods.
- * Regional data indicated significant contributions from the North and Punjab regions for both infection types.
Conclusions:
- * Salmonella and E. coli are persistent major pathogens in Pakistan, impacting diverse age demographics.
- * Females, particularly the elderly, remain highly susceptible to UTIs caused predominantly by E. coli.
- * The findings underscore the need for region-specific and age-tailored public health strategies to combat infectious diseases and AMR in Pakistan.
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