Nosocomial Pneumonia in Georgia: A Study of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Versus Non-extended ESBL Gram-Negative Bacterial Profiles.

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial pneumonia is a significant healthcare challenge, particularly in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacteria. The production of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) exacerbates treatment complexities.

AIM

This study investigates the prevalence and resistance patterns of ESBL-producing and non-ESBL Gram-negative bacteria in nosocomial pneumonia cases in Georgian hospitals to inform antibiotic stewardship and treatment strategies. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind conducted in Georgia, offering critical insights into bacterial resistance in this region.

METHODS

This prospective observational study analyzed a total of 357 pulmonary samples from patients diagnosed with nosocomial pneumonia in Georgian hospitals between December 2022 and February 2024. Gram-negative bacterial identification and ESBL determination were performed using the combination disk method, adhering to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) standards. The analyses were conducted at TEST-IMP Laboratory and the Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research to investigate the prevalence and resistance patterns of ESBL-producing versus non-ESBL Gram-negative bacteria.

RESULTS

Among the 256 Gram-negative isolates, 201 (78.5%) were ESBL producers. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (63.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (18.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.9%) were the most prevalent. Non-ESBL producers accounted for 21.5% but exhibited notable beta-lactamase activity. The remaining 101 samples were evaluated as an additional analysis, revealing the distribution of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi as outlined in the results. However, the primary emphasis of this study remains on the resistance patterns and prevalence of Gram-negative pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a concerning prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in nosocomial pneumonia cases, emphasizing the urgent need for improved antibiotic stewardship and infection control practices in Georgian hospitals. Non-ESBL producers displayed susceptibility to advanced antibiotics, presenting potential therapeutic opportunities, though vigilance is required to prevent further resistance development.