Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Species: A Retrospective Study of Cultures in Kirkuk City, Iraq

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health challenge that impacts individuals of all ages and is linked to high mortality rates due to the substantial burden of infectious diseases. Objective: This study aimed to identify the most prevalent pathogenic bacteria responsible for various infections in Kirkuk, Iraq, and to assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these pathogens. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in Kirkuk, Iraq, from October 2023 to August 2024, involving 498 patients. Specimens were collected from local hospitals and some private laboratories in the city. Results: Most specimens (84.1%) were obtained from outpatients, with urine isolates being the most prevalent (60.44%). The most commonly identified pathogens were E. coli (33.53%), Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (18.67%), and Klebsiella spp. (12.24%). E. coli exhibited the highest resistance rates to Cephalothin, Cefpodoxime, Cefuroxime, and Cefoxitin, while showing lower resistance to Lincomycin, Imipenem, Amikacin, and Meropenem. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) demonstrated the highest resistance rates to Penicillin, Cefuroxime, Cefixime, and Ceftriaxone, but lower resistance to Rifampicin, Nitrofurantoin, Imipenem, and Meropenem. Klebsiella spp. Showed resistance to nearly all antibiotic types. Conclusions: This study identified an increase in antimicrobial resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics among patients in Kirkuk. These results emphasize the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance in a setting where antibiotics are routinely overprescribed.