Objective: Describe susceptibility and molecular profiles among Enterobacteriaceae pathogens and to explore if war, among other factors, can affect antimicrobial resistance.
Methods: Clinical isolates from the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends associated with urinary tract and intra-abdominal infections between 2011 and 2015 were identified in Lebanon and Jordan. Susceptibility testing and molecular characterization were performed as per standard methods.
Results: A total of 1486 Enterobacteriaceae pathogens (including unusual pathogens) were identified. Incidence rates of extended spectrum β-lactamases were high with an overall higher prevalence of resistance in Jordan compared with Lebanon. CTX-M-15 was the most prevalent extended spectrum β-lactamases produced and OXA-48 the most reported carbapenemases subtype.
Conclusion: Changes in healthcare system due to war could impact regional resistance patterns and which requires a continuous surveillance program and containment plan.
Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae; Jordan; Lebanon; SMART; Syrian war; intra-abdominal infection; molecular characterization; resistance; urinary-tract infection; β-lactamases.