CHARACTERIZATION OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT ADDINGTON HOSPITAL, DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL:  A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

Sibahle Mtimbeni; Siyabonga Protus  Radebe

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1639

Authors

Sibahle Mtimbeni Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology1
Siyabonga Protus Radebe Master of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences , Mangosuthu University of Technology: Department of Biomedical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1639

Keywords:

Nosocomial Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Infection Control

Abstract

Background

Nosocomial infections are a significant threat in pediatric healthcare, particularly in South Africa, where prevalence rates in pediatric wards can reach up to 16.5%. Children are especially vulnerable due to underdeveloped immune systems and frequent exposure to invasive procedures. Common pathogens include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, many usually exhibit multidrug resistance. This study investigates the prevalence and identity of nosocomial pathogens in pediatric patients at Addington Hospital and assesses their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

Methods

This study utilized a retrospective cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, analyzing 761 clinical samples from pediatric patients aged 0–14 years admitted to Addington Hospital, Durban, between March 2022 and April 2023. Pathogen identification was performed using conventional microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing employed the disk diffusion method, interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.

Results

Staphylococcus species were the most prevalent pathogens (62%), followed by Bacillus spp. (9.6%), Viridans streptococcus (3.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.8%). Alarmingly high resistance rates were observed for beta-lactam antibiotics (93.8%) and gentamicin (50%), with K. pneumoniae showing 76.2% resistance to gentamicin. Streptococcus agalactiae displayed complete resistance to clindamycin. Nonetheless, meropenem and vancomycin remained universally effective (100%) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a significant burden of antimicrobial resistance among pediatric patients with nosocomial infections. There is an urgent need for reinforced infection control measures, continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs. These efforts are vital to curb the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric care environments.

Recommendations

Research into alternative treatments, such as plant-derived agents, should also be encouraged for managing resistant infections.

Author Biography

Sibahle Mtimbeni, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology1

Sibahle Mtimbeni is a biomedical science graduate from Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban, South Africa. Her research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance, nosocomial infections, and the application of molecular diagnostics in pediatric populations.

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