# Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Resistance of ESKAPEE Pathogens Isolated in Intensive Care Units from Blood Cultures: A Cross-Sectional Study from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (2018–2022)

## TL;DR

This study analyzed antibiotic resistance in ESKAPEE pathogens from ICU patients in Abu Dhabi, finding high resistance rates that highlight the need for better infection control and targeted treatments.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed antibiotic resistance profile of ESKAPEE pathogens in ICU blood cultures from Abu Dhabi over a five-year period.

## Key findings

- Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated ESKAPEE pathogens.
- Acinetobacter baumannii showed high resistance to Amikacin, Meropenem, and Imipenem.
- Staphylococcus aureus exhibited significant resistance to Penicillin G and Ciprofloxacin.

## Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a significant health problem in healthcare settings, especially intensive care units (ICUs), where patients are critically ill. This study aims to identify the bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance patterns of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Escherichia coli (ESKAPEE) in blood specimens collected from adult patients admitted to the ICUs of public hospitals in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The World Health Organization lists these pathogens as priority pathogens that greatly threaten humans. Methods: This cross-sectional study used routinely collected data through the AMR surveillance system between 2018 and 2022. Results: A total of 838 culture-positive blood specimens were reported during the study period, and 965 ESKAPEE pathogens were isolated. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (31%), Escherichia coli (22%), and Staphylococcus aureus (20%). Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited high resistance to Amikacin (81%), Meropenem (72%), and Imipenem (87%). Escherichia coli demonstrated resistance to Imipenem (42%) and Cefotaxime (54%). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed resistance to Imipenem (37%) and Cefotaxime (39%). Staphylococcus aureus showed resistance to Penicillin G (80%), Oxacillin (4%), and Ciprofloxacin (54%). Conclusions: The study showed a high prevalence of resistance in the most frequently isolated ESKAPEE pathogens in adult ICU patients. This brings into focus the need for appropriate infection control measures and strong antibiotic stewardship programs. The findings of the study support the ongoing efforts to deploy a better diagnostic tool for rapid pathogen identification, which is key in the targeted management of patients with bloodstream infection, especially in ICUs.