BACTERIAL PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS IN BURN WOUND INFECTIONS
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Burns remain a significant global public health concern, causing considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of burn-related deaths occur.
Objectives
The study aimed to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates obtained from burn infections in hospitalized patients at Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 150 burn patients admitted to Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital, Iraq, from January to May 2026. Bacterial isolates recovered from 175wound specimens were identified using standard microbiological techniques and the VITEK 2 system, while antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted according to EUCAST guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results
A total of 175 specimens were collected from 150 burn patients. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for the majority of the isolates, representing 125(71%) of the total isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently identified pathogen. Significant associations were observed between bacterial distribution and burn depth, total body surface area burned, prior antibiotic use, and hospital stay (P < 0.05). Carbapenems demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa isolates.
Conclusion
Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were the predominant pathogens in burn wound infections. High levels of resistance were observed to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins, whereas carbapenems showed the highest activity and polymyxins remained fully effective. These findings highlight the persistence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms in burn wounds and the continued reliance on carbapenems and polymyxins as key therapeutic options.