Increasing Incidence and Antimicrobial Resistance amongst Nosocomial Isolates in Latvia Poses a Significant Public Health Challenge

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are defined as hospital-acquired infections in patients who previously were free from infection at the time of admission to the hospital. They are associated with increased complications, costs, and prolonged hospitalization durations. Hence, it is essential to observe and manage the situation as it evolves. To achieve this, constant surveillance, and monitoring of the trends of isolation, antimicrobial properties etc., of the nosocomial infections should be done. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the incidence of antimicrobial resistant strains of most important nosocomial pathogens in a hospital in Latvia from2020-2021.

Methods: The data regarding antimicrobial resistance, patient sample of isolation, and department of isolation were obtained from the Joint Laboratory digital records (anonymized before processing). Antimicrobial resistance was checked using disk diffusion, and broth dilution based on latest EUCAST guidelines. The data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.

Results: There was a significant increase in the isolation of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteria species between 2020 and 2021 (p < 0.05), especially K. pneumoniae, E.coli, and C. freundii. Most samples were isolated from urine and faecal matter samples amongst patients admitted to intensive care unit. Similar observations were made for Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, with E. faecium being the most commonly isolated species from urine and faecal matter samples. Most of the Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections were reported in Nephrology, Gastroenterology, and Intensive care units. There was a decrease noted in the incidence of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)isolates between 2020 and 2021. Majority of the samples were isolated from bronchial wash and nasal swab. Vascular Surgery and Intensive care units were the two departments with highest caseload of MRSA infections in the hospital. Finally, amongst the extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Enterobacterales, E. coli, P. mirabilis, and K. pneumoniae were most isolated pathogens. They were commonly isolated from urine samples from patients admitted to the intensive care unit and gastroenterology departments.

Conclusions: Vigilant monitoring and implementation of proper precautions and biosafety protocols is essential to reduce the incidence of antimicrobial resistant nosocomial strains.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 22 Sept 2022
EventXVI Baltic Congress in Laboratory Medicine - Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, Tallinn, Estonia
Duration: 22 Sept 202224 Sept 2022
Conference number: 16
https://balm2022.ee/
https://med24.ee/koolituskalender/xvi-baltic-congress-laboratory-medicine

Congress

CongressXVI Baltic Congress in Laboratory Medicine
Abbreviated titleBALM 2022
Country/TerritoryEstonia
CityTallinn
Period22/09/2224/09/22
Internet address

Keywords*

  • antimicrobial resistance
  • nosocomial infecions
  • Latvia

Field of Science*

  • 3.1 Basic medicine

Publication Type*

  • 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Increasing Incidence and Antimicrobial Resistance amongst Nosocomial Isolates in Latvia Poses a Significant Public Health Challenge'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this