Bloodstream infections and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients at major hospitals in Basra, Iraq (2021–2024)

Background. Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in settings with high antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BSIs and the antibiotic resistance patterns in three major hospitals in Basra, Iraq, between January 2021 and August 2024. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,730 blood cultures collected from three major hospitals. Bacterial isolate identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, including MIC determination, were performed using the VITEK® 2 system. When applicable, additional confirmatory tests, such as biochemical tests, were also performed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22, with confidence intervals and P-values calculated. Results. BSIs were confirmed in 22.7% of cases, with Gram-negative bacteria (53.3%) being more prevalent than Gram-positive bacteria (46.6%). The most frequently isolated pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (29.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (20.8%), and Escherichia coli (16.6%). High resistance rates were observed for oxacillin (73.4%) in S. aureus, while Gram-negative bacteria exhibited significant resistance to ampicillin (33.3%–88.8%). Conclusions. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced infection control policies, antibiotic stewardship, and continuous surveillance. Comparisons with similar studies suggest regional variations in resistance patterns, emphasizing the necessity for tailored antimicrobial strategies to combat BSI-related antimicrobial resistance effectively.