Antimicrobial resistance among hospital bacterial pathogens
Antimicrobial resistance among hospital bacterial pathogens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i1.2026.2219Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial resistance. Hospital infections. Multidrug-resistant bacteria. Infection control.Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance in hospital bacteria is a major public health problem because it compromises treatment effectiveness, increases mortality, prolongs hospital stays, and raises healthcare costs. This study aimed to analyze antimicrobial resistance in hospital bacteria, considering the main resistance mechanisms, dissemination factors, clinical and economic impacts, and prevention and control strategies described in the literature. This is a bibliographic study with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, developed through the analysis of scientific articles, guidelines, institutional documents, and technical publications. The results showed that bacterial resistance involves mechanisms such as modification of the antimicrobial target site, enzymatic inactivation, reduced cellular permeability, efflux pump activity, horizontal gene transfer, and biofilm formation. It was also observed that factors such as inappropriate antibiotic use, invasive devices, prolonged hospitalization, and failures in infection control measures favor the spread of these microorganisms in the hospital setting. It is concluded that tackling antimicrobial resistance requires integrated actions, with emphasis on the rational use of antimicrobials, epidemiological and microbiological surveillance, and the strengthening of prevention and control measures in healthcare services.
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