Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most significant threats to global health, compromising the effectiveness of antibiotics and increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Hospitals are critical environments where resistant pathogens emerge and spread due to intensive antibiotic use and high patient vulnerability.

Objective

To evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns among bacterial isolates in hospital settings and identify determinants associated with the emergence and spread of resistant organisms.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across tertiary healthcare facilities. A total of 1,500 bacterial isolates obtained from clinical specimens were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standardized laboratory methods, and resistance profiles were assessed for commonly used antibiotics.

Results

High levels of resistance were observed among Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. Multidrug-resistant organisms accounted for 38.4% of all isolates. Prior antibiotic exposure, prolonged hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, invasive device use, and inadequate infection control practices were significantly associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance remains a major challenge in hospital settings. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs, infection prevention measures, laboratory surveillance, and rational antibiotic prescribing practices are essential to mitigate the growing burden of resistant infections.