Colonisation with multidrug-resistant organisms among dialysis patients at Universitas Academic Hospital

Background: While most infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) affect colonised people, there is limited evidence on MDRO colonisation in South African dialysis patients. Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of MDRO colonisation among dialysis patients, the resistance patterns of each MDRO and the risk factors for colonisation. Method: Rectal and nasal swabs were collected from dialysis patients who consented to participate in a 5-month study to identify selected MDROs (April 2021 – August 2021). Specimens were cultured on selected chromogenic media. Data collected included demographics, clinical information from medical records and laboratory results. Results: Multidrug-resistant organisms were isolated from 17 (23.9%) of the 71 enrolled participants. Of the 23 MDRO strains from rectal swabs (n = 71), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales accounted for 21.1% (15/71), vancomycin-resistant enterococci 2.8% (n = 2/71) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales 4.2% (n = 3/71). Klebsiella pneumoniae (65.2%, n = 15/23) was the most prevalent MDRO. More than 80% resistance to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxine, and ciprofloxacin was noted. Significant risk factors included previous hospitalisation, proton pump inhibitor use and antibiotic exposure in the past 6 months. Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant organisms’ carriage was high in our dialysis population. The infection prevention and control measures need to be revised and strengthened. Contribution: This study falls within the scope of the SAJID journal as it is the first within sub-Sahara Africa to report that approximately one-fifth of dialysis patients were colonised with MDRO, which is a significant risk for MDRO infections.