Assessment of bacterial etiologic agents, antimicrobial susceptibility status and associated factors of isolates among hospitalized patients suspected for blood stream infection at Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The world's biggest hazard to public health is the rise in antimicrobial resistance bacterial infections, particularly in underdeveloped nations. These multidrug-resistant bacterial infections increase hospital stays, raise mortality rates, and have impact on both the national and individual economies. This study aimed to assess the bacterial etiologic agents, antimicrobial susceptibility status, and associated factors of isolates among hospitalized patients. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a consecutive sampling technique. All bacterial isolates were identified based on standard bacteriological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on muller-hinton agar and interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Data were collected and entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed. Variables with P-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 294 clinical samples processed 96 (32.7%) were culture positive. Overall, S. aureus was the predominant isolate 25 (26%) followed by E.coli 14 (14.6%). The levels of drug resistance of gram-negative isolates were higher for ampicillin 89.6% and tetracycline 75.0%. The overall multi-drug resistances were 84.4%. Having a history of invasive procedures, chronic underlying diseases, history of previous hospitalization, and having urinary and intravenous catheterization were statistically significant variables for the acquisition of bacterial infection. Conclusion: E. coli and S. aureus were the most common isolates. Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Therefore, routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing and wise use of antibiotics are recommended.