Patterns of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in a hospital setting: a cross-sectional study for General Medicine

Abstract

Background: The global rise in antibiotic resistance necessitates an understanding of antibiotic usage patterns and the corresponding development of resistance within hospitals. This study explores these patterns within the General Medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. Objective: To determine the relationship between antibiotic prescription patterns and the emergence of resistance in a General Medicine department, and to identify potential areas of improvement for antibiotic stewardship. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, reviewing 500 antibiotic prescriptions and the associated patient records over a six-month period. Pathogen susceptibility to antibiotics was ascertained using standard microbiological techniques. Results: Of the 500 prescriptions assessed, 68% involved antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were cephalosporins (29%), followed by fluoroquinolones (24%). It was found that 28% of the prescriptions potentially represented antibiotic misuse, often in cases with a primary viral diagnosis. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed that 38% of bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to the routinely prescribed antibiotics, with fluoroquinolones showing the highest resistance rates. Conclusions: The study indicates that there is a notable divergence from recommended antibiotic prescription guidelines within the General Medicine department. The observed resistance patterns underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs to promote optimal antibiotic use.