Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 11(5), pp. 636 - 646
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110512
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High Prevalence of Gram-Negative Infections in Intensive Care Units Across Jordan

Mohammad Al-Tamimi ^1,*, Walaa Isied ², Hamza Othman ², Dania Aldajeh ³, Abdelrahman Altarazi ², Rima Salameh ², Toqa Abu-Muhaisin ², Fatma Qazzaz ², Ahmad Jaber ², Deema Al-Namora ^2
1 Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
² Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
³ Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

ABSTRACT

Background: Hospital-acquired infections are a global health concern that affects the morbidity and mortality of admitted patients, especially critically ill patients. Understating the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of bacterial infections among intensive care units (ICUs) at the national level is important in guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Aims: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of bacterial infections among ICU patients across Jordan. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 133 confirmed bacterial infection cases from ICUs across 12 referral hospitals in Jordan. Bacterial isolates were identified, and a survey was used to collect demographics, risk factors, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data among participants. In addition, statistical analysis was used to determine frequencies and associations between variables. Results: Of the total 177 isolates, 47 (26.6%) were Gram-positive including Staphylococcus (18.0%) and Enterococcus (6.2%), while 123 (69.5%) were Gram-negative including Klebsiella (22.6%), Escherichia (17.5%), Acinetobacter (16.4%), and Pseudomonas (6.2%), and 7 (4%) were mixed. The primary infection site was the lung (33.1%), blood (27.8%), and urinary tract (22.6%). A significant association between Gram-positive bacteria with blood and gastrointestinal tract infections, elevated WBCs, and elevated red cell distribution width can be noted. While a significant association between Gram-negative bacteria with a central line, ventilator, nasogastric tube, bedridden patients, lung and urinary tract infections, and increased frequency of complications were noted (P≤0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of Gram-negative bacterial infections led by Klebsiella species in ICUs across Jordan. Preventive measures to reduce risk factors associated with Gram-negative infections are recommended.

KEYWORDS
Gram-Negative, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Jordan

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Mohammad Al-Tamimi , Walaa Isied , Hamza Othman , Dania Aldajeh , Abdelrahman Altarazi , Rima Salameh , Toqa Abu-Muhaisin , Fatma Qazzaz , Ahmad Jaber , Deema Al-Namora , "High Prevalence of Gram-Negative Infections in Intensive Care Units Across Jordan," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 11, No. 5, pp. 636 - 646, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110512.

(b). APA Format:
Mohammad Al-Tamimi , Walaa Isied , Hamza Othman , Dania Aldajeh , Abdelrahman Altarazi , Rima Salameh , Toqa Abu-Muhaisin , Fatma Qazzaz , Ahmad Jaber , Deema Al-Namora (2023). High Prevalence of Gram-Negative Infections in Intensive Care Units Across Jordan. Universal Journal of Public Health, 11(5), 636 - 646. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2023.110512.