FREQUENCY OF ACINETOBACTER EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT (XDR- AB) SPECIES IN PATIENTS WITH VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background

The Acinetobacter baumannii, especially the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) type, is a significant pathogen in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) of intensive care units (ICUs). XDR-AB increases the problem of treatment because it is resistant to the majority of antibiotics and results in aggravated patient outcomes. The purpose of conducting this   Study is to examine the incidence of XDR-AB among VAP patients in a tertiary care hospital, its effects on clinical outcomes, such as mortality and recovery.

Objectives

To identify the prevalence of XDR Acinetobacter baumannii in VAP patients, evaluate resistance patterns, and assess the effects of it on patient outcomes (mortality, recovery, and ICU stay) in a tertiary care environment.

Place and duration of study. From June 2025 to October 2025, Medicine Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital / Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta.

Methodology

The Cross-sectional Study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital ICU of the Department of Medicine Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital / Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta. Identification of XDR-AB strains was done in the laboratory using antimicrobial susceptibility tests and microbiological cultures. P-values and chi-square tests were the statistical tests to evaluate the relationships between XDR-AB infection and clinical outcomes.\

Results
Of the 313 VAP patients, 124 (39.6%) were diagnosed with A. baumannii infections, of which 92 (74%) were XDR-AB strains. The average age of patients was 61.5 years (SD: 12.4). The XDR-AB group had significantly longer ICU stays (15.2 days vs. 9.6 days) and higher mortality (32% vs. 16%) compared to non-XDR-AB patients. The XDR-AB group had a mean APACHE II score of 24.1 (SD: 5.6), indicating higher illness severity (p-value = 0.02).

Conclusion

XDR-AB infections are a common occurrence among VAP patients, who have a high mortality rate, ICU hospitalisation, and poor patient recovery. The results highlight that improved infection control and alternative treatment methods are required to address XDR-AB infections and enhance patient outcomes in ICU units.