Comparison of changes in infection types, agents, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles in intensive care unit patients in two-year periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant health problem due to the increased risk in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to investigate the changes in infectious microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Microbiological data, infection types (SCI-KDE, LTD-KDE, VAP, Non-VAP, KRI-UTI, DYDE), and resistance status according to EUCAST standards were retrospectively recorded in patients who developed HAIs in ICUs before and after the pandemic. RESULTS: A significant increase in the isolation of A. baumannii and S. aureus and a decrease in the rate of K. pneumoniae were observed in the post-pandemic period. Regarding AMR, colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae and ceftriaxone resistance in E. coli increased significantly after the pandemic. C. auris and N. glabrata were isolated only in the post-pandemic period. CONCLUSION: The increase in resistant gram-negative bacteria and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, as well as the detection of new resistant fungal species, in the post-pandemic period is noteworthy. This situation demonstrates that strengthening infection control, surveillance, and antimicrobial management programs in ICUs is critically important for clinical outcomes. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, COVID-19, Healthcare-associated infections