Comprehensive analysis of microbiological surveillance at the clinic for anesthesia and intensive therapy in Nis: A three year follow up: Three-Year Microbiological Report from the Clinic for Anesthesia in Nis

Introduction: Intensive care units (ICUs) represent essential components of modern hospital systems dedicated to the management of critically ill patients. Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in ICUs and prolonged hospitalization contribute to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Aim: Presenting the results of microbiological sampling at the Clinic for Anesthesia and Intensive therapy, UCC Nis, from 2022-2024, and to emphasize the importance of microbiological analyses in the timely identification of pathogens and the rational use of antibiotics. Methods: A prospective cross-section study was conducted at the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, UCC Nis, from 2022 to 2024. Samples were taken from blood, urine, aspirates from the endotracheal tube and oral cavity, drainage contents, intraoperatively obtained abdominal cavity contents, pleural punctures, and swabs (wound, anal region, groin, oral cavity, and axilla). After sampling, the samples were sent for microbiological analysis, and all positive results were recorded. Results: In 2022, the highest number of positive results were recorded in blood cultures, wound swabs, and endotracheal aspirates. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Acinetobacter sp. (21.93%), Klebsiella sp. (18.36%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.63%). In 2023, the majority of bacteria were isolated from blood, groin swabs, and wound swabs. Dominant bacteria included Klebsiella sp. (25%), Acinetobacter sp. (17.14%), and Enterococcus faecium (10.69%). In 2024, the most dominant samples came from blood, groin swabs, and oral cavity swabs, with the most frequently isolated bacteria being Klebsiella sp. (20.15%), Enterococcus faecium (19.26%), and Acinetobacter sp. (14.41%). Conclusion: Microbiological analyses and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns are the most important issues for optimizing therapeutic outcome and prevention of the spread of resistant pathogens. Our results revealed the emergence of extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella spp. isolates, as well as the rising number of Enterococcus faecium isolated in various types of samples. Acinetobacter sp. remained the predominant pathogen isolated from endotracheal aspirates.