Stefano Ruga
, Raffaele Petti, Mara Masullo, Fabio Castagna, Roberto Bava, Michelangelo Armenise, Elisabetta Labbate, Carmen Lombardi, Antonio Giordano, Massimiliano Quintiliani, Luigi Alfano, Emilia Langella
* , Giovanna Liguori
, Renato Lombardi
Abstract
Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating public health threat globally, with Southern Italy presenting distinct challenges that warrant targeted investigation. This study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of AMR in this region, with particular focus on the influence of demographic factors, including gender and age. Methods: Antibiograms from 146 patients, aged 36 to 101 years (68 males, 78 females), collected between 2022 and 2023, were analyzed to identify resistance patterns. Results: The most frequently identified bacterial species were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In male patients, the highest resistance rates were observed with ciprofloxacin (47.9%), followed by levofloxacin (47.2%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (40.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (36.8%), fosfomycin (28.8%), and clarithromycin (6.1%). Notably, female patients exhibited higher resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to males. Among females, those over 70 years of age showed significantly greater resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole than their male counterparts of the same age. Furthermore, older females exhibited higher resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to younger females. Conclusion: The differences in antimicrobial resistance patterns between genders may stem from biological, hormonal, and metabolic variations, as well as disparities in healthcare access and health behaviors. Integrating gender-based differences into both research and clinical practices is crucial for optimizing therapy, reducing drug waste, and mitigating the emergence of AMR. A comprehensive approach, addressing both scientific advancements and individual differences such as gender, is essential for effectively combating AMR.