Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Identification of Bacterial Agents and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Pediatric Blood Infections at Hakim Children's Hospital, Tehran

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Neda Yousefi Nojookambari 1
Zohreh Ghalavand 2
Nasrin Dashti 3
Bahram Nikmanesh 3
1 PhD. in Medical Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i840.1577
Abstract
Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are life-threatening hospital-acquired infections with high mortality in children, especially neonates. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global challenge, complicating the management of these infections. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from blood cultures in pediatric patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hakim Hospital, Tehran, on 11,208 blood cultures from children aged 1 day to 15 years. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard blood culture methods and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Findings: Among 478 positive cultures (4.3%), 54% were Gram-negative bacilli (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia), 34.5% were Gram-positive cocci (predominantly Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species), and 12.3% were Candida species. Gram-negative isolates showed high resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (97–100%) and ampicillin-sulbactam (98.3%). Co-trimoxazole and levofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics. Gram-positive isolates demonstrated high resistance to penicillin (100%) and erythromycin (85%), but linezolid remained highly effective (97.3% susceptibility).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric bloodstream infections underscores the necessity of evidence-based antibiotic prescribing based on susceptibility testing results and the implementation of enhanced infection control programs.

Highlights

Neda Yousefi Nojookambari: PubMed , Google Scholar

Zohreh Ghalavand: Google Scholar

Nasrin Dashti: Google Scholar 

Bahram Nikmanesh: Google Scholar 

Keywords
Anti-bacterial agents
Bacteremia
Drug resistance
Infant
Blood culture

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 840
4th Week , January
January and February 2026
Pages 1577-1585

  • Receive Date 02 August 2025
  • Accept Date 15 February 2026