Antibiotic resistance characteristics of the ESKAPEE pathogens group isolated at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in 2024

Background: The current state of infections in general and hospital-acquired infections is increasingly rising, not only in Vietnam but also worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic resistance characteristics of ESKAPEE pathogens isolated from clinical samples at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in 2024. Methods: We designed the study using a cross-sectional descriptive method and a convenience sample approach. The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024. Results: Among 1001 ESKAPEE group-isolated pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were both accounted for with a high proportion (33.67%; 23.58%). In addition, these two bacteria also exhibited the high rate of resistance type for methicillin (known as MRSA) and produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (known as ESBL). 100% of the Staphylococcus aureus showed their resistance ability to penicillins group, while the Gram negative bacteria showed high resistance to ampicillin (90.21%) and cefazolin (71.21%). 59.74% of the isolated strains from this research belonged to multidrug-resistant strains, in which Escherichia coli was accounted for with the highest rate (78.93%). Conclusions: This study revealed a concerningly high rate of antimicrobial resistance among ESKAPEE-isolated pathogens at Hue University Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in 2024. Immediate action is necessary to implement an antibiotic stewardship program aimed at reducing the current levels of antibiotic resistance and preventing further complications.