Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli in Hospitalized Patients in Sweida, Syria

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli represent a substantial public health challenge, particularly in developing nations, where their increasing prevalence has resulted in heightened healthcare expenditures and rising mortality rates. This study aims to explore the occurrence of Gram-negative bacilli in clinical specimens while assessing their susceptibility to various antibiotics. A total of 337 patient samples were collected from hospitals in Sweida, leading to the isolation and identification of bacterial strains. The findings revealed that Gram-negative bacilli were present in 216 samples, constituting 64.1% of the total analyzed. Among these, Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified, accounting for 38%, followed by Enterobacter at 26.4%, Klebsiella at 25.5%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 9.7%. Notably, all isolated strains exhibited multidrug resistance. A comprehensive analysis of the sensitivity of these isolates to various antibiotics was conducted. The study illuminated the significant prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli, underscoring the urgent need for preventative strategies. These strategies should focus on the judicious and targeted application of antibiotics to effectively curb the dissemination of these resistant strains. By addressing this critical issue, we can enhance public health outcomes and reduce the associated economic burdens.