Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from Clinical Specimens of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh: A Three-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern, leading to increased treatment costs, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. This study analyzes the prevalence and trends of AMR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from various clinical specimens from Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The objective is to track AMR over an extended period and provide comparative analytics for local and global surveillance efforts. Methods: Retrospective data from June 2017 to November 2019 were collected from a tertiary care hospital, en-compassing both inpatients and outpatients. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing followed standard methods. WHONET and Quick Analysis of AMR Patterns and Trends (QAAPT) software were utilized for data management and analysis. Results: The analysis included 6,896 records, with an average bacterial growth positivity rate of 39%. The most common specimen type was urine, accounting for 48.9% of all specimens. Among the bacterial isolates, variations in AMR prevalence were observed, particularly with E. coli displaying high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Soft tissue and blood fluid samples exhibited a high positivity rate for bacterial growth. The study underscores the urgent need for AMR surveillance and evidence-based treatment guidelines tailored to local antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of monitoring AMR trends in Chittagong, Bangladesh. By understanding and addressing AMR patterns, policymakers, and stakeholders can develop informed national policies and strategies to combat AMR effectively. Sharing these findings with relevant parties is crucial for creating awareness and promoting evidence-based practices. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance efforts and the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of AMR and improve patient outcomes in the region.