Unveiling the impact: COVID-19's influence on bacterial resistance in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat, and understanding local trends in bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has introduced additional complexities, potentially influencing these patterns.

Aim: To analyze trends in bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex from 2018 to 2023, with a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of microbiological data was conducted, covering the period from 2018 to 2023. The study included key bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, among others. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of these isolates were assessed using standard laboratory methods. To contextualize the findings, the findings were compared with similar studies from other regions, including China, India, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and United States.

Results: The study revealed fluctuating trends in the prevalence of bacterial isolates, with notable changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, a significant increase in the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was observed during the pandemic years, while the prevalence of E. coli showed a more variable pattern. Antibiotic resistance rates varied among the different pathogens, with a concerning rise in resistance to commonly used antibiotics, particularly among Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. Additionally, the study identified an alarming increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, especially within Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli isolates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends was evident, with shifts in the frequency, resistance patterns, and the emergence of MDR bacteria among several key pathogens.

Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and effective anti-microbial stewardship programs to combat the evolving threat of antibiotic resistance. Further research and policy initiatives are required to address the identified challenges and improve patient outcomes in the face of these ongoing challenges.