Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Iran: A systematic review and metaanalysis

Background: Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR P. aeruginosa) is known as a serious threat to human health worldwide. Limited information is available concerning the prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa in Iran. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative frequency of MDR P. aeruginosa in different parts of Iran. Materials and Methods: Using appropriate keywords and well-known English and Persian database, available data about MDR P. aeruginosa in Iran were retrieved. After applying predefined criteria, relevant studies were selected. Results: By using random-effect models, the pooled incidence of MDR P. aeruginosa was estimated 58% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.54–0.61). The highest and lowest prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa were observed in Tehran (100%) (95% CI; 0.94–1.00) and Zahedan (16%) (95% CI; 0.10–0.24), respectively. The highest resistance rate was against ceftazidime (50%) (95% CI; 0.46–0.54) and amikacin (50%) (95% CI; 0.46–0.54). Conclusion: Our findings are of concern since they demonstrate the high prevalence rate of MDR P. aeruginosa in the majority of Iranian hospitals.