Trends in Antibiotic Resistance in Infected Wounds: A Retrospective Analysis at the National Research Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics Named After Academician N.D. Batpenov (2021-2023)

The increasing incidences of antibiotic-resistant infections is a significant concern in managing complicated wound healing. This study examines the trends and microbiological profiles of infected wounds treated surgically at the National Research Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics named after Academician N.D. Batpenov in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2021 to 2023. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent surgical wound closure between 2021 and 2023. Data on patient age, length of hospital stay, comorbidities, type of trauma, chronicity of the condition, affected body part, initial diagnosis, and microbiological culture results were collected. The study assessed the frequency and patterns of antibiotic resistance among isolated pathogens. In 2021, 56 patients were included, with an average age of 43±14.7 years and an average hospital stay of 22.25±11.6 days. Trauma types varied, with a significant proportion resulting from traffic accidents and burns. In 2022, 21 patients (average age 43.9±12.2 years) had longer hospital stays (37.5±23.4 days). The primary diagnoses included osteomyelitis and acute injuries. In 2023, 33 patients were studied, with a mean age of 42.5±27 years and an average stay of 12.6±11 days. Notably, the proportion of patients with osteomyelitis increased over the 3 years. Microbiological analysis revealed a growing presence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus (24%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%) were the most commonly isolated bacteria, with a significant increase in resistance to beta-lactams and other antibiotic groups. The emergence of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter species was also observed. The study highlights a concerning trend of increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens isolated from infected wounds. This underscores the need for ongoing surveillance, updated treatment protocols, and the judicious use of antibiotics to manage such infections effectively. Further research is required to develop strategies to combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.