Colistin Treatment Outcomes in Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in the Northeast of Romania: A Decade of Change Through Pandemic Challenges

<b>Background</b>: The rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) poses a critical threat to global health, exacerbated by the increased use of antibiotics during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Colistin, often considered a last-resort antibiotic, has seen heightened usage, raising concerns about resistance and clinical outcomes. This study investigates the evolution of colistin resistance in GNB during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a focus on clinical outcomes in colistin-treated patients. <b>Methods</b>: Conducted in "Saint Spiridon" Hospital, Iasi, Romania, the study assesses antibiotic usage, trend in GNB resistance to colistin, and mortality rates across distinct pandemic phases (pre-pandemic, Delta, Omicron, and post-pandemic). A retrospective longitudinal analysis spanning 2011 to 2023 was performed. Statistical models were employed to analyze mortality risk and assess the pandemic's impact on antimicrobial dynamics. <b>Results</b>: Colistin usage increased significantly during the pandemic, with the highest doses recorded during the Omicron phase. Resistance to colistin, particularly among <i>A. baumannii</i> and <i>K. pneumoniae</i>, was associated with increased mortality rates. The statistical model demonstrated robust predictive accuracy for mortality across the pandemic phases, with an AUC of 0.866 in the post-pandemic period. The findings underscore the critical role of <i>A. baumannii</i> as a driver of adverse outcomes, with co-infections significantly linked to systemic infections and higher mortality. <b>Conclusions</b>: The study highlights the evolving trends in colistin therapy and resistance, emphasizing the pandemic's impact on antimicrobial stewardship and the persistent challenges posed by MDR pathogens. We emphasize the need for antimicrobial resistance surveillance, including the monitoring of colistin resistance, which is considered a last-resort antibiotic.