Nosocomial Pneumonia in Georgia: A Focus on Gram-Positive Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance

TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of gram-positive bacteria causing hospital-acquired pneumonia in Georgia, emphasizing the need for better infection control and antibiotic use.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the local epidemiology and resistance patterns of gram-positive bacteria in Georgia's nosocomial pneumonia cases.

Findings

Staphylococcus aureus was the most common gram-positive pathogen, with high rates of methicillin and macrolide resistance.

Streptococcus pneumoniae showed nearly complete beta-lactam resistance and significant macrolide and tetracycline resistance.

Vancomycin-resistant isolates were identified, indicating the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in Georgia.

Abstract

Nosocomial pneumonia represents a significant clinical challenge worldwide, and in Georgia, the burden of this healthcare-associated infection is a growing concern. This study investigates the role of gram-positive bacteria in nosocomial pneumonia cases, focusing on their prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and associated risk factors. A retrospective analysis of 484 clinical samples collected from 397 patients between May 2022 and September 2024 highlights the distribution of pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Among gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent, accounting for 103 cases (21.3%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae with 45 cases (9.3%).

The study identifies alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance among gram-positive pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus isolates demonstrated universal penicillinase production (103/103, 100%) and high levels of mecA-mediated methicillin resistance (89/103, 86.4%) and erm-mediated macrolide resistance (74/103, 71.8%). Additionally, notable resistance was observed to tetracycline (93/103, 90.3%), aminoglycosides (31/103, 30.1%), and fluoroquinolones (41/103, 39.8%). Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates exhibited universal penicillinase production (45/45, 100%), with complete beta-lactam resistance found in 42 isolates (42/45, 93.3%), mediated through mutations in the pbp1a, pbp2x, and pbp2b genes. Furthermore, erm(B)-mediated macrolide resistance was observed in 37 isolates (37/45, 82.2%), tetM-mediated tetracycline resistance in 37 isolates (37/45, 82.2%), and fluoroquinolone resistance in 13 isolates (13/45, 28.9%). One isolate of each pathogen demonstrated vancomycin resistance, underscoring the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.

The study underscores the need for stringent infection control measures and rational antibiotic stewardship to mitigate the impact of resistant gram-positive pathogens in Georgian healthcare settings. The findings also stress the importance of continuous surveillance to monitor resistance trends and guide empirical therapy. By exploring the resistance mechanisms and prevalence of gram-positive bacteria in nosocomial pneumonia, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the local epidemiology and highlights actionable insights for improving patient outcomes.

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