Demographic Patterns and Clinical Impact of Nosocomial Pseudomonas, Proteus, and Acinetobacter Infections in Yenagoa Hospitals: Evidence for Targeted Infection Control (Preprint)
Authors: ADEBISI Oyindiepreye Lydia , NWOKAH Easter Godwin , ABBEY Samuel Douglas 
Published: November 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Rationale: Nosocomial infections remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings, exacerbated by the rise in multidrug-resistant pathogens. This study was conducted to analyze the demographic characteristics, types of clinical specimens, and pathogen prevalence among hospitalized patients in Yenagoa, providing data to inform targeted infection control strategies. Objectives: The primary objectives is to examine the demographic patterns and clinical Impact of Nosocomial Pathogens with a focus on pseudomonas, proteus, and acinetobacter for targeted infection control. Methods: A total of 200 patients from three healthcare facilities in Yenagoa were included. Demographic data were collected, and clinical specimens were obtained from various sites, including wound swabs, urine, uterine catheter tips, ear, and eye swabs. Phenotypic identification of bacterial isolates was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of pathogens. Data were analyzed to identify the most common pathogens and their association with demographic variables and specimen types. Results: The study population consisted of 60.5% males and 39.5% females, with middle-aged adults (31–40 years) representing the largest age group (32%). Wound swabs and urine samples were the predominant specimen types, constituting 44% and 30% of samples, respectively. Pseudomonas spp. was the most prevalent pathogen, accounting for 22% of isolates, followed by Proteus and Alcaligenes at 19% each. Acinetobacter spp. had a prevalence of 16.5%, raising concerns due to its multidrug resistance, particularly in high-risk wards like the ICU. The distribution of pathogens highlighted the diversity of Gram-negative bacteria contributing to nosocomial infections across different wards. Conclusion: This study underscores the prevalence of nosocomial pathogens in hospital settings, with a high representation of multidrug-resistant organisms, particularly in critical care units. The findings suggest that infection control measures should be directed towards high-risk areas and patient demographics, with a focus on pathogen-specific interventions to mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria. Recommendation: Healthcare facilities should implement enhanced infection control protocols, including targeted surveillance in high-prevalence areas such as ICUs and surgical wards, and emphasize antimicrobial stewardship to manage multidrug-resistant pathogens. Additional strategies should include environmental sanitation, hand hygiene, and age-specific infection prevention efforts to reduce transmission in vulnerable patient populations. Significance Statement: This study highlights critical patterns in nosocomial infections that are essential for shaping infection control policies and resource allocation in healthcare settings. By detailing the demographic trends, pathogen types, and specimen associations with infection risks, the findings provide a foundational basis for developing effective, evidence-based infection prevention and control strategies to improve patient outcomes and hospital safety.