Tracking multidrug-resistant bacteria: a one-year retrospective study at Moulay Ismail Military Hospital, Meknes, Morocco

Introduction: antimicrobial resistance represents a major global public health concern, fueled by the growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria that limit therapeutic options. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated in our facility and to evaluate their antibiotic resistance profiles. Methods: this is a retrospective and descriptive study covering one year (June 2022 to May 2023), examining the results of antibiograms performed at the bacteriology laboratory of Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes, Morocco. Results: we examined 1217 bacterial strains and found that 23.5% were multidrug-resistant. ESBL-E comprises 51% of these multidrug-resistant bacteria, followed by 6% MRSA, 19% IRAB, and 19% CPE. The intensive care unit serves as the primary source of isolation for multidrug-resistant bacteria (36%), followed by surgical services (27%). Urine is the primary reservoir for these bacteria (55%). The analysis of the resistance profile of these multidrug-resistant bacteria demonstrated a notable prevalence of resistance to various classes of antibiotics. Fortunately, most of these multidrug-resistant bacteria remain susceptible to amikacin and fosfomycin, exhibiting complete sensitivity to colistin. Conclusion: enhancing antibiotic prescribing practices and strictly implementing hygiene and preventative protocols would aid in reducing the development of multidrug-resistant organisms. An in-depth understanding of bacterial ecology and resistance profiles to various antibiotics would provide customized treatment for each medical setting.