Back to all available

Molecular characterization of antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains isolated from septic and non-septic patients in Jordanian hospitals

microbiology
molecular-biology

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a global health challenge, particularly in healthcare settings. This study examines antibiotic resistance patterns in bacterial strains from septic and non-septic patients in Jordanian hospitals. The study aims to identify differences and provide insights for improving treatment strategies and guiding antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study analyzed sepsis symptoms in 106 patients with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) at Jordan Hospitals. Patients with sepsis-like symptoms and positive blood cultures were compared with a control group diagnosed with UTIs during the same period. Antibiotic susceptibility testing followed CLIS guidelines, assessing various antibiotics. Molecular characterization involved DNA extraction and PCR to detect resistance genes (blaOXA, blaCTX-M, mecA, necA), confirmed via gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis (SPSS v25) was used to reveal a significant correlation.

Result: This study analyzed 42 sepsis-like cases with prior UTIs at Al-Basheer Hospital, focusing on the prevalence of OXA and CTX-M genes linked to antibiotic resistance. Results showed 57.1% OXA and 52.4% CTX-M positivity, with blood samples having significantly higher CTX-M positivity (80%) than urine (37%, p = 0.008). Common isolates included ESBL-producing E. coli (59.5%) and Klebsiella spp, indicating high resistance rates.

Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of OXA and CTX-M genes in patients with sepsis-like symptoms and prior UTIs, indicating significant antibiotic resistance. Blood samples showed higher CTX-M positivity (80%) than urine (37%). The predominant resistant spp. and MRSA highlight the urgent need for improved antimicrobial stewardship and alternative treatments to address multidrug-resistant infections.

Ask to review this manuscript

Notes for potential reviewers

  • Volunteering is not a guarantee that you will be asked to review. There are many reasons: reviewers must be qualified, there should be no conflicts of interest, a minimum of two reviewers have already accepted an invitation, etc.
  • This is NOT OPEN peer review. The review is single-blind, and all recommendations are sent privately to the Academic Editor handling the manuscript. All reviews are published and reviewers can choose to sign their reviews.
  • What happens after volunteering? It may be a few days before you receive an invitation to review with further instructions. You will need to accept the invitation to then become an official referee for the manuscript. If you do not receive an invitation it is for one of many possible reasons as noted above.
  • PeerJ does not judge submissions based on subjective measures such as novelty, impact or degree of advance. Effectively, reviewers are asked to comment on whether or not the submission is scientifically and technically sound and therefore deserves to join the scientific literature. Our Peer Review criteria can be found on the "Editorial Criteria" page - reviewers are specifically asked to comment on 3 broad areas: "Basic Reporting", "Experimental Design" and "Validity of the Findings".
  • Reviewers are expected to comment in a timely, professional, and constructive manner.
  • Until the article is published, reviewers must regard all information relating to the submission as strictly confidential.
  • When submitting a review, reviewers are given the option to "sign" their review (i.e. to associate their name with their comments). Otherwise, all review comments remain anonymous.
  • All reviews of published articles are published. This includes manuscript files, peer review comments, author rebuttals and revised materials.
  • Each time a decision is made by the Academic Editor, each reviewer will receive a copy of the Decision Letter (which will include the comments of all reviewers).

If you have any questions about submitting your review, please email us at [email protected].