A study of risk factors for Carbapenem Resistant Gram negative bacterial infections in a South Indian Hospital

Abstract: - Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the various risk factors for carbapenem resistant gram negative bacterial infections. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study done in a multispecialty hospital in Chennai. Data was collected from the medical records of the patients in a data collection sheet. Results: The various risk factors/ comorbidities associated with carbapenem resistant infections were presence of indwelling devices, hospitalisation within previous 12 months, Diabetes mellitus, ICU admission, previous exposure to antibiotics, prolonged hospitalisation for >10 days and Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Conclusion: Identifying risk factors for Carbapenem-resistant infections enables early detection, prompt initiation of suitable antibiotics, and timely isolation precautions, thereby reducing the spread of Multidrug resistant Organisms (MDROs). This insight aids clinicians in selecting effective presumptive therapy, improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, publishing such data raises awareness about the critical need for robust infection control and antimicrobial stewardship practices to combat antimicrobial resistance.