Antimicrobial resistance patterns in a Qatari tertiary care center in 2024: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat. Local, real-time epidemiological data are the cornerstone of effective antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to establish a 2024 baseline for AMR patterns at a major tertiary care center in Qatar to directly guide empirical therapy and stewardship interventions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 1,656 positive bacterial cultures from blood, urine, and wound samples collected from 1,218 patients between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was interpreted per European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) 2024 guidelines. Statistical analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (30.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (25.0%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0%). High resistance rates were observed, with E. coli exhibiting resistance to ceftriaxone (45.0%, 95% CI 40.5-49.5) and ciprofloxacin (50.0%, 95% CI 45.5-54.5). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence was 30.0% (95% CI 25.6-34.7). Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) accounted for 5.5% (95% CI 4.4-6.7) of all isolates. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) were identified in 35.0% (95% CI 32.7-37.3) of samples, with a significantly higher prevalence in intensive care units (ICUs) (45.0%) compared to other wards (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study documents a high burden of AMR, dominated by Gram-negative pathogens in critical care settings. These findings necessitate a multi-pronged response, including the revision of empirical antibiotic guidelines, enhanced stewardship focused on high-risk agents, and intensified infection control in ICUs. Integrating molecular epidemiology into future prospective surveillance is essential to combat this escalating crisis.