Post-operative wound infections (POWIs) are one of the greatest challenges in healthcare. It is more common in resource-limited areas and with a rising trend of antibiotic resistance. This study at Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical Hospital, Latur, established AMR in bacterial isolates from POWIs by tailoring effective treatments. There were 297 wound swabs collected, and the resistance patterns were determined using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. Alarmingly high resistance levels were reported at a prevalence of 38.5% in Gram-positive bacteria, where Penicillin, Cefuroxime, and Ceftriaxone were reported to be resistant at 100%, thereby very few treatment options remain. In Gram-negative isolates, 40.3% resistance was reported, and near 90% resistance was reported by Ceftriaxone and Piperacillin-Tazobactam. Gentamicin and Tobramycin showed low resistance and, hence, some treatment paths could be initiated. It thereby provides an imperative need for the localized AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship toward optimal patient outcomes as well as guides evidence-based treatment in POWIs. There is an increased call to increase AMR surveillance along with strategic infection control interventions in such healthcare facilities as well

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The present research on antibiotic resistance profiling of post-operative wound infections (POWIs) at Latur's tertiary care hospital has thrown light upon critical insights into the escalating challenge of AMR. Alarming rates of resistance, especially to common antibiotics such as Penicillin, Cefuroxime, and Ceftriaxone, highlight the imperative requirement of strong antimicrobial stewardship and localized surveillance strategies. The research throws up a considerable contrast between the effectiveness of front-line drugs and the increasingly prominent profile of multidrug-resistant organisms, requiring an evolution in the treatment protocols. Low resistance seen in agents such as Gentamicin and Tobramycin pose a glimmer of hope but require to be watched intently against any potential rise in the future. This study also strengthens the importance of region-specific data on AMR while pointing out infection control practice strengthening, education, and rapid development of diagnostics that can aid tailoring of therapies. Through an integration of antimicrobial stewardship programs, infection control strategies, and efforts to forge alternative treatments such as combination therapies and bacteriophage application, healthcare systems can be relieved of the impacts of AMR. The results open avenues for future research focused on longitudinal tracking of resistance trends, new antimicrobial evaluations, and strategic interventions to lower the burden of POWIs. Lastly, these efforts are urgently needed to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics, improve patient outcomes, and combat the growing global threat of AMR

D.B. Dhaware, S.B. Mali and P.P. Dixit (2023). Antibiotic Resistance Profiling of Post-Operative Wound Associated Bacterial Infection in Tertiary Care Hospital of Latur, Maharashtra, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3a): 100-105