Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Isolates at Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

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Published Apr 8, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.24248/easci.v8i1.134

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Kauke Bakari Zimbwe
Clinical Trials Control and Pharmacovigilance Section, Human and Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Haematology, Oncology and BMT Pharmacy Unit, Pharmacy and Compounding Section, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Charity Alphonce Chiwambo
Pharmacy Department, The Aga Khan Hospital Trust, Dar-es-salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Yusto Julius Yona
Haematology, Oncology and BMT Pharmacy Unit, Pharmacy and Compounding Section, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania, Health Centre Section, Administration Department, National Institute of Transport, Dar-es-salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Moshi Moshi Shabani
Biomedical Research and Clinical Trials Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
Alphonce Bilola Chandik
Hospital Executive Committee, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania; hDirectorate of Clinical Support, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Humphrey Sawira Kiwelu
Directorate of Clinical Support, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Reuben Mkala
jDiagnostics Services, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania; kDepartment of Clinical Microbiology, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Catherine Masalu
Department of Clinical Microbiology, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Henry Joseph
Department of Pathology, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
Witness Mchwampaka
Directorate of Preventive Service, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania.

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has escalated significantly within healthcare facilities and community settings, presenting substantial challenges in the management of bacterial infections. Our research aimed to analyze three-year trends in antimicrobial susceptibility through the evaluation of AMR patterns in blood, urine, and wound swabs.
Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was carried out at The Benjamin Mkapa Tertiary Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, Tanzania. Researchers reviewed electronic medical records and laboratory results of patients from January 2020 to December 2022.
Results: The number of positive blood samples tested for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was 166 (2020). Escherichia coli showed resistance trends to ceftriaxone 100 (60%), meropenem 19 (12%), amikacin 21 (12%), and piperacillin-tazobactam 17 (10%). Staphylococcus aureus exhibited resistance trends of 89 (46%) for ciprofloxacin and 75 (45%) for levofloxacin, while those for gentamicin, vancomycin, and azithromycin were 30 (18%), 18 (11%), and 58 (35%), respectively. ASTs were performed on 65 positive wound/pus swabs in 2020. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed fluctuating resistance patterns to ciprofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam over the years: 7 (11%), 17 (26%), and 19 (29%) in 2020. In 2020, 107 urine samples were tested for AST. Escherichia coli showed resistance to nine antimicrobials, including ceftazidime 20 (19%), meropenem 7 (7%), piperacillin-tazobactam 7 (32%), cefuroxime 9 (8%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 29 (27%), nitrofurantoin 7 (7%), and amikacin 8 (8%).
Conclusion: The findings underscore an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among priority pathogens, emphasising the importance of evidence-based antibiotic selection for direct treatment, empiric therapy, and surgical prophylaxis. We recommend future prospective, ward-specific, and outpatient-inpatient comparative AMR surveillance to address existing limitations and improve infection management strategies.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 8 No 1 (2026): East African Science
Section
Original Articles