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Pandemic-driven transmission-based prevention as an observational scenario for multidrug-resistant organisms
Dr Chiara Peconi1, Gilda Pelusi1, Donatella Sarti1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance
|July 8, 2026
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic saw fewer multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections in an Italian hospital. This reduction was linked to improved infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies and the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the trends of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in an Italian community hospital during the pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 periods.
- To identify factors associated with MDRO detection in clinical cultures.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study was conducted in an Italian intermediate care community hospital.
- Patient data from January 2019 to December 2023 were analyzed, comparing three periods based on pandemic evolution.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square/Fisher exact tests and multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Out of 903 patients, 51% had infection-positive cultures and 30% had MDRO-positive cultures.
- The proportion of MDRO-positive cultures was significantly lower during the COVID-19 period compared to other periods (p=0.013).
- Urinary catheter use and pressure sores were independently associated with higher odds of MDRO-positive cultures.
Conclusions:
- The study observed a lower prevalence of MDRO-positive cultures during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the post-COVID-19 period.
- Findings suggest that changes in IPC practices and hospital occupancy may have influenced MDRO rates.
- Continuous improvement in IPC measures is essential for managing MDROs in healthcare settings.
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