SURVEILLANCE OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT PATHOGENS IN COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS

Abstract

The surveillance of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in community-acquired infections (CAIs) represents a major global public health priority, driven by the rapid escalation of antibiotic resistance that complicates infection management and treatment outcomes. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics remain primary contributors to the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains, underscoring the urgent need for robust and systematic surveillance mechanisms—particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare resources are limited and empirical therapies are often administered without comprehensive susceptibility data.

Effective surveillance plays a pivotal role in identifying resistance trends, guiding empirical treatment regimens, and informing evidence-based public health interventions. Among the pathogens of greatest concern are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), all of which present substantial risks within community settings. Recent studies indicate that while certain resistant strains have shown marginal declines, others—such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—are demonstrating alarming increases, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).