Resistance is reality: findings from the first Ukrainian cumulative antibiogram

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat resulting in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Until recently, in Ukraine, cumulative antibiograms (CuAbgms) have never been available. Objectives: To describe the first CuAbgm developed in Ukraine. Methods: We developed a CuAbgm for the Okhmatdyt National Specialized Children’s Hospital using data from WHONET. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed per EUCAST guidelines. The CuAbgm was developed using guidance from CLSI. Results: For Escherichia coli, 66% and 69% of isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, respectively, and 99% were susceptible to meropenem. For Klebsiella pneumoniae, 26% and 27% of isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, respectively, and only 59% were susceptible to meropenem. Of the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates that underwent additional susceptibility testing, only 38% were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, only 53% were susceptible to meropenem. Of those that were resistant to meropenem and underwent additional susceptibility testing, only 12% were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Similarly, for Acinetobacter spp., only 37% of isolates were susceptible to meropenem. Susceptibility to ampicillin/sulbactam was also low at 45%. The oxacillin susceptibility rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 99%.