A Hospital-Based Analysis of Antimicrobial Utilization in Infectious Disease Management

Introduction: Infectious diseases are a major global health concern, and antimicrobials are critical in managing these conditions, particularly in hospital settings. However, the widespread, often unregulated use of these drugs has led to a rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), threatening their efficacy. This study focuses on understanding antimicrobial utilization patterns in hospitalized patients to optimize therapy and reduce AMR risk. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care hospital in Western Gujarat. It included adult patients with infectious diseases who received antimicrobial treatment. Data were collected through patient records, covering demographics, diagnosis, and antimicrobial therapy specifics. Antimicrobial use was analyzed using the WHO’s ATC classification and defined daily doses (DDD), with results statistically assessed through SPSS software. Results: Our study of 108 hospitalized patients revealed a nearly balanced gender distribution, with the majority in the 61–90 age range and a mean age of 56.8 years. Respiratory and urinary tract infections were the most common diagnoses, and diabetes mellitus was the leading comorbidity. The average hospital stay was 8.1 days, with most stays between 6-10 days. The average number of drugs per encounter was 7.31, all prescribed generically and sourced from the hospital formulary, with 80.95% of antibiotics administered via injection. Penicillins were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial class, followed by cephalosporins, with tazobactam + piperacillin and ceftriaxone as prominent choices. A comparison of defined daily doses (DDD) and prescribed daily doses (PDD) for commonly used antimicrobials showed general adherence to WHO dosing guidelines, although amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and piperacillin + tazobactam were prescribed at slightly higher doses, likely tailored to specific patient needs. Conclusion: Our study highlights the prevalent use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in infectious disease management, with overall adherence to WHO dosing standards. Tailored dosing practices for specific cases emphasize the need for continued antimicrobial stewardship to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize resistance.