Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria in Patients With Sternal Osteomyelitis

Background Sternal osteomyelitis is an infectious disease often secondary to median sternotomy and is characterized by high treatment difficulty, prolonged hospitalization, and substantial medical costs. The use of antimicrobial agents is a consensus and critical component in managing sternal osteomyelitis. To guide the rational use of antibiotics and provide a microbiological basis for diagnosis and treatment, this study investigates the distribution of pathogenic bacteria and their drug resistance patterns in sternal osteomyelitis patients at a tertiary medical center. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 205 cases (248 admissions) of sternal osteomyelitis patients admitted from January 2021 to June 2024. Their clinical data, microbiological culture results, and antimicrobial resistance patterns were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 862 specimens of secretions, bone marrow, blood, and tissue specimens were collected, with a pathogen detection rate of 19.03%. Among these microorganisms, 105 strains of gram‐positive bacteria (64.02%), 48 strains of gram‐negative bacteria (29.27%), and 11 strains of fungi (6.71%) were detected. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen species. Multidrug resistance was confirmed in 38 (46.34%) strains of gram‐positive bacteria and 9 (25.00%) strains of gram‐negative bacteria. Conclusions Sternal osteomyelitis patients are mainly infected by gram‐positive bacteria, among which antimicrobial resistance is common. Strict adherence to sampling standards and appropriate use of antibiotics based on antibiotic susceptibility test results is essential.