ABSTRACT
Background: Wound infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly when they involve multidrug-resistant pathogens. Understanding the emergence and characterization of such pathogens is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and genetic characteristics of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing wound infections in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Aim: The aim of this study was to provide insights into the emergence and characterization of multidrug-resistant pathogens in wound infections, focusing on their prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and genetic features.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data and microbiological records was conducted for patients with wound infections admitted to the tertiary care hospital from November 2022 November 2023. Wound swab samples were collected, processed, and subjected to microbiological analysis, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular characterization of resistant genes.
Results: The study revealed a concerning prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens among the sampled wound infections. Various bacterial strains, including but not limited to Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, exhibited resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics commonly used for treatment. Moreover, the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains was observed, further complicating therapeutic options.
Conclusion: The study highlights the alarming prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in wound infections in the tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. These findings underscore the urgent need for implementing stringent infection control measures, rational antimicrobial use policies, and surveillance programs to combat the spread of multidrug resistance in healthcare settings.
Keywords: Multidrug-resistant pathogens, wound infections, antimicrobial resistance, genetic characterization, tertiary care hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan.