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Published on: August 30, 2018
Prevalence and Multidrug Resistance of WHO-Priority Bacterial Pathogens in a Romanian Intensive Care Unit
Alina Simona Bereanu1,2, Bogdan Ioana Vintilă1,2, Lilioara-Alexandra Oprinca-Muja1
1Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Lucian Blaga Street 2A, 550169 Sibiu, Romania.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: The rise in healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, has resulted in increased rates of morbidity and mortality, escalating costs, and has become a significant public health concern. In our Intensive Care Unit, we address healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a specific focus on those listed in the WHO 2024 List of Critically and Highly Prioritized Pathogens. Methods: Over the course of 1 year, from 1 January to 31 December 2024, we monitored the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in the Intensive Care Unit of the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Results: The majority of infections were caused by pathogens in the ESKAPEE group. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (36.8%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (24.5%), classified as a critical priority by the WHO in 2024. Most positive samples for critical priority pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as all MRSA strains (high priority), were obtained from tracheal aspirates collected from intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. A significant proportion of the isolated bacteria were multidrug-resistant, including extensively drug-resistant and pan-drug-resistant strains. Conclusions: The increase in antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance among hospital strains raises serious concerns about limited treatment options.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including WHO priority pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, are prevalent in intensive care units. This rise in antimicrobial resistance limits treatment options for hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a growing global health crisis.
- Intensive care units (ICUs) are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of MDR pathogens.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified critical and high-priority pathogens that require urgent attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of HAIs caused by MDR bacteria in an ICU.
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated pathogens.
- To focus on pathogens listed in the WHO 2024 List of Critically and Highly Prioritized Pathogens.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year prospective study (January 1 to December 31, 2024) was conducted in the ICU of Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania.
- Surveillance of HAIs and collection of bacterial isolates from patient samples.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on all isolated bacteria.
Main Results:
- The ESKAPEE group of pathogens predominated in ICU infections.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (36.8%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (24.5%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria.
- Critical priority pathogens (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii) and high priority MRSA were frequently found in tracheal aspirates from intubated patients, with a significant proportion exhibiting extensive or pan-drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant burden of MDR bacterial infections in the ICU setting.
- The increasing prevalence of extensively and pan-drug resistant strains poses a serious threat to patient treatment.
- Urgent strategies are needed to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve treatment efficacy.
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