Publication Details
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify bacterial isolates associated with nosocomial infections in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Basrah hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research involved the collection of 103 clinical and environmental specimens, including blood, urine, patient bed swabs, ICU instruments, and walls. Standard microbiological methods were used to identify the bacteria, followed by antibiotic sensitivity testing to determine resistance patterns. The results revealed 46 bacterial isolates, with Enterobacter species (42.55%), Staphylococcus species (34.04%), and Pseudomonas species (14.89%) being the most dominant. These findings highlight the significant level of contamination in ICU environments, which may contribute to the spread of nosocomial infections, particularly during public health crises like the pandemic. This study emphasizes the importance of implementing stringent infection control measures to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens in ICU settings, which is crucial for reducing healthcare-associated infection risks.