ESKAPE pathogens among pediatric patients in Iraq

Abstract

Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable of 'escaping' the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents. Aims: The aim of this study is to screen the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens group among pediatric patients in Iraq. Methods: A total of 191 different clinical samples were collected from pediatric patients aged from 1day till the age of 14 years old. Samples obtained included; blood, urine, CSF, burns wounds, and other data that were taken from patients before sampling. Results:Among 191 clinical samples, 12 isolates (6.3%) of ESKAPE Pathogens groupwere detected, S. aureus was recovered in high rate (33.4%) followed by P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A.baumannii. However, no isolate belonged to E.faecium was recovered in this study.Ahigh rate (75%) of isolates G-vebacteria of ESKAPE pathogens group (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae E. cloacae, A.baumannii) were found to be ESBL-producers. Results also found that all S. aureus isolates were AmpC βlactamase producersand all Gram-negative isolates within ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC β-lactamaseproducers. Different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were recorded among ESKAPE pathoges group isolates. MDR was found in a high rate (75%), followed by PDR(16.6%),while XDR was detected only in one isolate (8.3%).Conclusion:S. aureus was recovered with a high rate among all ESKAPE pathoges group.CoNS are the most prevalent pathogenscausing late-onset sepsis in neonates.ESBLs were predominant among G-veofESKAPE pathogens group isolates. All isolates in ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpCβ-Lactamase producers.