Bacterial threat in the ICU: clinical impact and strategies against multi-resistance

Antimicrobial resistance became established as one of the main challenges in hospital medicine, especially in the Intensive Care Units of the General Hospital for Acute Patients ‘Manuel Belgrano’. In this environment, there was an increase in infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making clinical treatment difficult. Factors such as prolonged mechanical ventilation, comorbidities and the intensive use of antibiotics favoured the spread of these pathogens. The study recognised the need to implement comprehensive strategies, focused on surveillance, the rational use of antimicrobials and the training of healthcare personnel. The situation at the Manuel Belgrano Hospital reflected a broader problem that required a multidisciplinary healthcare response.