Prevalence and Multidrug Resistance of WHO-Priority Bacterial Pathogens in a Romanian Intensive Care Unit

Background/Objectives: The rise in healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, has resulted in increased rates of morbidity and mortality, escalating costs, and has become a significant public health concern. In our Intensive Care Unit, we address healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a specific focus on those listed in the WHO 2024 List of Critically and Highly Prioritized Pathogens. Methods: Over the course of 1 year, from 1 January to 31 December 2024, we monitored the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in the Intensive Care Unit of the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Results: The majority of infections were caused by pathogens in the ESKAPEE group. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (36.8%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (24.5%), classified as a critical priority by the WHO in 2024. Most positive samples for critical priority pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as all MRSA strains (high priority), were obtained from tracheal aspirates collected from intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. A significant proportion of the isolated bacteria were multidrug-resistant, including extensively drug-resistant and pan-drug-resistant strains. Conclusions: The increase in antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance among hospital strains raises serious concerns about limited treatment options.