Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance has persisted as a global threat with increasing associated numbers of morbidity and mortality. ESKAPE
(Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
Enterobacter spp.) were termed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America as a group of bacteria with rapid antibiotic resistance
development. 'e aim of the study was to describe the extent and resistance patterns of ESKAPE pathogens isolated in pus swabs
from patients admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in August
2019. A total of 75 admitted patients with open wounds and surgical site infections were recruited. Files were analyzed to collect
microbiology laboratory data and relevant patient data. A total of 76 clinically signi;cant bacteria were isolated of which 52
bacteria were categorized as ESKAPE pathogens. 'e most common bacteria isolated were 25% (n = 19/76) P. aeruginosa and
17.1% S. aureus. A high level of antibiotic resistance was shown in all ESKAPE and non-ESKAPE pathogens. 'e Gram-negative
bacteria of ESKAPE pathogens were further analyzed comparing 3rd generation cephalosporin and carbapenems resistance
patterns. A. baumannii showed the highest resistance towards 3rd generation cephalosporin and carbapenems. In addition,
P. aeruginosa showed high resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins with 89.5% resistance, with E. coli showing high resistance
to carbapenems with 50.0% resistance. 'e burden of ESKAPE pathogens is high in pus swabs obtained from admitted patients at
Muhimbili National Hospital. 'e results showed high antibiotic resistance within ESKAPE and non-ESKAPE pathogens including
the “last resort” antibiotics: 3rd generation cephalosporin and carbapenems.
