# P-1154. Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Healthcare-Associated Infections at MCM Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study finds a high rate of healthcare-associated infections at a hospital in Ethiopia, with common bacteria showing strong resistance to antibiotics.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into HCAI prevalence and resistance patterns in a low-income setting like Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 13% of patients had healthcare-associated infections, with urinary tract infections and pneumonia being most common.
- Bacteria like Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli showed high resistance to antibiotics.
- Factors like long hospital stays and catheter use were strongly linked to HCAI development.

## Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) significantly contribute to patient morbidity and mortality globally. Understanding causative agents and antimicrobial resistance is crucial for effective management but remains understudied in low-income settings, including Ethiopia. This study assesses the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and associated factors of HCAIs at MCM Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

A retrospective chart review of 414 patients admitted from January 1 to December 31, 2022, was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20.0 and summarized by frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression identified factors associated with healthcare-associated infections, with significance determined by adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

The prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) was 13% (54/414), with the most common infections being urinary tract infections (21/54) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (17/54). Among the 54 HCAI cases, bacterial pathogens were detected and cultured in 34 patients. The most frequently identified bacteria were Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (9/34), Escherichia coli (8/34), and Enterococcus species (7/34). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed complete resistance to Ceftriaxone in 25/34 isolates and resistance to Cotrimoxazole in 33/34 isolates. Length of hospital stay exceeding 7 days, use of a urinary catheter, history of chronic respiratory disease, and previous antibiotic use were identified as significant factors associated with HCAI development.

HCAI prevalence was high at MCMCSH, with common pathogens showing significant antimicrobial resistance. Findings highlight the need for early infection detection, improved prevention protocols, shorter hospital stays, antibiogram-guided antibiotic use, and targeted catheterization practices.

All Authors: No reported disclosures