Patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Tertiary Hospitals of South-Eastern Nigeria—A three-month review

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical public health challenge, particularly in hospital settings where multidrug-resistant infections complicate treatment and patient outcomes. This study examines AMR patterns in tertiary hospitals in South-Eastern Nigeria over a three-month period, identifying prevalent resistant pathogens and assessing their susceptibility profiles.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of microbiological data from selected tertiary hospitals was conducted from June to September 2024. Bacterial isolates from blood and urine samples were identified using standard laboratory techniques, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Resistance patterns were analyzed across different antimicrobial classes.

Results: A total of 89 patients met the study inclusion criteria. The majority were male (58.4%), traders (42.7%), and Christians (97.8%). Prolonged hospital stays (>14 days) were observed in 61.8% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus (18.9%) was the most common blood culture isolate, with the highest resistance to Minocycline (40%). Escherichia coli (26.5%) was the predominant urinary pathogen, showing significant resistance to Cefuroxime (47.5%). Notably, antibiotic resistance was higher among patients with shorter hospital stays (45.5%) compared to those with longer stays (30.9%).

Conclusion: This study highlights concerning AMR trends in tertiary hospitals in South-Eastern Nigeria, particularly high resistance to Minocycline and Cefuroxime. The inverse relationship between hospital stay duration and resistance rates underscores the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures. Continuous surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial to mitigating the growing threat of AMR in healthcare settings.