Investigating the Distribution and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacterial Pathogens in Clinical Specimens from a Chinese Maternal and Child Hospital: The Role of Environmental Factors.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze bacterial distribution and antibiotic resistance in clinical specimens from a Chinese hospital for evaluating environmental factors' impact on pathogen prevalence.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2021, we collected 42,854 clinical specimens from hospitalized children and women. The specimens were cultured on various agar plates and incubated at 35°C for 18-48 h. Their identification was performed using standard biochemical methods and Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), whereas antibiotic susceptibilities were determined using the VITEK 2 system. Concurrent environmental data from Wuhan were analyzed for correlations with pathogen prevalence using multiple linear stepwise regression.

RESULTS

Of the 24,555 bacterial strains isolated, the majority were gram-positive, and sputum was the most common specimen type. and were the most prevalent pathogens in sputum and urine samples, respectively. Notably, and affected children under 6 years of age the most. Furthermore, showed high ampicillin resistance but low cefotaxime resistance; was sensitive to penicillin G, and was resistant to ampicillin but sensitive to cefotetan. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms was below national averages. In terms of seasonality, peaked during late winter and early spring, and environmental analysis indicated positive correlations between PM2.5 and PM10, and and prevalence. In addition, NO levels were positively correlated with increased and prevalence; prevalence was negatively correlated with ozone levels.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens in maternal and child healthcare facilities in Wuhan, China. Environmental factors significantly influence the epidemiology of certain bacterial pathogens. Implementing integrated health strategies that combine microbial surveillance with environmental monitoring is needed to effectively manage and prevent bacterial infections.