Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus Aureus, and Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolates from Two Government Hospitals in Philippines

Antimicrobial Resistance has emerged as critical global concern especially in hospital setting. It’s often referred as ―silent pandemic due to lack of knowledge, its rapid spread and lack of reports. Thus, this study aimed to determine the presence, frequency of occurrence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from most-touched surfaces in two government hospitals-Site1 (Mindanao) and Site2 (Visayas). This study employed Quantitative and Qualitative approach. Identification of isolates was done by VITEK® 2 COMPACT System as well as the Antibiotic Susceptibility test. Findings showed that a total of 38 isolates were obtained and screened for antibiotic resistance from Mindanao (Site1) and Visayas (Site2). In Site 1, K. pneumoniae was the most prevalent detected bacteria and occurred in all stations. Followed by Enterococcus spp. and S. aureus. The minimal number of isolates recovered from Site 2 may reflect more regular infection control practices and lower environmental contamination. The predominance of K. pneumoniae in Mindanao is particularly concerning, due to its role as an opportunistic pathogen, especially among immunocompromised individuals. Most isolates were demonstrated significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, penicillin and certain cephalosphorins class. Moreover, majority of the isolates has MAR Index of ≥ 0.2 values, indicating exposure to high-risk environment where antibiotics are frequently used. Lastly, Most of the isolates exhibited a wide range of antibiotics resistance patterns, with high resistance to first-line of antibiotics such as Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Benzyl penicillin, Oxacillin, Cefalexin, Cefalotin, Ceftazidime, and Cefpodoxime. That concludes the difficulty of treatment on such antibiotic therapies. Therefore, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs, effective infection control and antimicrobial surveillance are strongly recommended in the two target hospitals.