BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance of nosocomial pathogens has become a worldwide problem that leads to major healthcare and economic burdens. Regional antimicrobial resistance profiles are needed to inform selection of proper antimicrobial agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In collaboration with the Hospital Infection Control Office at our hospitals, we analyzed the constitution of nosocomial pathogens and the corresponding drug-resistance profiles. We paid particular attention to characteristics of pathogens that were derived from the bloodstream, and summarized the drug-resistance tendency of 2 specific bacteria within the most recent decade to reflect the development of resistance in regional China.

RESULTS: The most common types of nosocomial pathogens were Escherichia coli (859 isolates, 14.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (763 isolates, 12.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (681 isolates, 11.3%), Klebsiella pneumonia (660 isolates, 11.0%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (654 isolates, 10.9%). The most common types of bloodstream-derived pathogens were K. pneumoniae (125 isolates, 16.3%), E. coli (118 isolates, 15.3%), A. baumanii (81 isolates, 10.5%), Candida albians (57 isolates, 7.4%), S. aureus (45 isolates, 5.9%), P. aeruginosa (44 isolates, 5.7%), and Enterobacterium spp. (42 isolates, 5.5%). Distinct antimicrobial resistance profiles were observed between different pathogens as well as between bloodstream-derived and other sources of pathogens. The resistant rates of A. baumanii and P. aeruginosa to antimicrobial agents have been increasing during the most recent 10 years at our hospital.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated the characteristics of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance in regional China. The distinct resistance profile of each pathogen can help to tailor individual antimicrobial strategy. The emerging resistant rates to antimicrobials require reinforced actions for infection prevention and control.

Keywords: Cross Infection, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Epidemiologic Studies