Characterization of Multi-Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Outpatient at Kabwe Central Hospital

The prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among outpatients. In low-income countries like Zambia, infectious diseases stand as prominent contributors to mortality rates. The absence of robust indigenous data on pathogenic agents and antimicrobial resistance hampers the effectiveness of empirical treatment. The escalating concern of multi-drug resistance (MDR) across various diseases poses a significant public health challenge, leading to prolonged treatment durations, increased disabilities, and diminished life expectancy. This study aimed to characterize MDR Gram-negative isolates collected from outpatient settings at Kabwe central hospital (KCH) to identify prevalence and resistance patterns. Clinical specimens, including urine, stool, blood, wound swabs, etc. were collected. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted to identify multi-drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Descriptive analysis was used to characterize multi-drug-resistant gram-negative Bacteria isolated from outpatient. A total of 441 Gram-negative isolates clinical samples were analyzed, of which 342 (77.6%) were classified as MDR with percentages ranging from 57.7% for Proteus species to 100.0% for Salmonella, Shegella, and Proteus species. Urinary tract infection (32.5%) was the most common cause of infections among children and young people, and which was predominantly caused by E. coli, Proteus spp. and Citrobacter spp. during the period of our study. These findings highlight the urgent need for surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs for the empirical treatment of infections in Kabwe General Hospital in Zambia as appropriate.