Antibiotic Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at Children’s Hospital 2 from September 2023 to May 2024

Abstract

   Introduction: The antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is becoming increasingly severe. Understanding the biological characteristics of P. aeruginosa plays a crucial role in infection control and optimizing antibiotic use in hospitals.

   Objective: To evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern of P. aeruginosa at Children’s Hospital 2 from September 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024.

   Subjects and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent culture, isolation, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of P. aeruginosa at the Microbiology Department of Children’s Hospital 2 during the study period. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

   Results: During the study period, 392 P. aeruginosa isolates were identified, predominantly from children aged 0 to 11 months (52.3%), the Respiratory Department (24.0%), and lower respiratory tract specimens (82.5%). Regarding antibiotic resistance, the highest resistance rates were observed for Imipenem (37.8%), Ciprofloxacin (34.9%), and Meropenem (31.6%). Lower resistance rates were found for Ceftazidime-Avibactam (19.6%), Piperacillin-Tazobactam (25.8%), and Colistin (4.1%). Samples from children under 11 months, patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and lower respiratory tract specimens exhibited higher resistance rates.

   Conclusion: The antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa, particularly in children under 11 months of age and from lower respiratory tract specimens, poses significant challenges in clinical treatment. The high resistance rates to Carbapenem antibiotics (such as Imipenem and Meropenem), Ceftazidime, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamicin underscore the urgent need to optimize antibiotic use and strengthen infection control measures. Preserving the efficacy of last- resort antibiotics, including Colistin, Amikacin, and Ceftazidime-Avibactam, is crucial. Additionally, comprehensive genomic and phenotypic studies on resistance mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic approaches are essential for enhancing infection management and antimicrobial stewardship in the future.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.4.2.6