Title : Antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial isolates among patients attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Southeastern Nigeria
Abstract:
Background/; Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global public health challenge, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and rising healthcare costs. The irrational use of antibiotics and poor antimicrobial stewardship practices have contributed significantly to the rapid emergence of resistant bacterial strains in developing countries. This study assessed the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates recovered from patients attending a tertiary healthcare institution in Southeastern Nigeria.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Federal Medical Centre Owerri between January and October 2024. A total of 320 clinical specimens including urine, blood, wound swabs, sputum, and high vaginal swabs were collected from patients attending different hospital units. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of the 320 specimens analyzed, 214 (66.9%) yielded significant bacterial growth. The predominant isolates were Escherichia coli (31.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (24.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.6%), and Proteus mirabilis (7.9%). High resistance rates were observed against commonly used antibiotics including ampicillin (84.6%), cotrimoxazole (76.2%), and tetracycline (69.4%). Conversely, relatively lower resistance rates were recorded for meropenem (14.5%) and ciprofloxacin (28.0%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 61.7% of the isolates, with Klebsiella pneumoniae demonstrating the highest resistance profile. Previous antibiotic exposure and prolonged hospital admission were significantly associated with multidrug resistance (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates observed in this study highlights the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance in tertiary healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs, promoting rational antibiotic use, and implementing continuous surveillance of resistance patterns are essential to reducing the spread of resistant pathogens and improving patient outcomes.
