PREVALENCE AND RESISTANCE PROFILE OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Problem statement: Bacterial infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms are a major global threat; however, there remains a knowledge gap on this situation in Ghana, especially in its northern Region. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and resistance profile of bacterial infections. It also identified factors associated with multidrug resistance in the study area. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative approach with a retrospective analytic design. Data from specimens obtained at Zonal Public Health Laboratory located in Tamale from June 2018 to May 2022 were collected and retrospectively analysed. The samples included all specimen types possible. The specimens were collected for the purpose of clinical bacteriology diagnostics. R Software, was used to perform the statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with multidrug resistance. Main findings: Altogether, 1222 non-duplicated isolates were collected. The three (3) main bacteria responsible for infections were: Klebsiella spp., Moraxella spp., and Escherichia spp. respectively with respectively 27%, 22%, and 16%. High resistance levels were found against the tested antibiotics and about 41.60% of the bacterial strains isolated were multidrug resistant. The study's results uncovered determinants of multidrug resistance within the region. Hospitalization was associated with multidrug resistance in the univariate analysis (Crude OR: 1.96; 95% with CI 1.43–2.71; P < 0.001) and also in the multivariable analysis (Adjusted OR: 1.78; 95% with CI 1.28–2.49; P < 0.001). Conclusion and recommendations: There is a need for further research on the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance genes in the study area to effectively control the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens. In addition, efforts to build the capacity of health professionals on infection prevention and control as well as diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship needs urgent attention.