Profile of Priority Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens and the Behavior of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Santiago de Cali District, Colombia

Background Antimicrobial resistance is a threat that increases morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the profile of priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and to analyze the behavior of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the Santiago de Cali District, Colombia. Methods researchers compiled information from data provided by healthcare institutions, the National Public Health Surveillance System, and laboratory-based surveillance using the World Health Organization's WHONET v.5.6 software. Univariate statistical analysis described trends in pathogen resistance, and multivariate analysis analyzed the behavior of MDR-TB. Results Among Gram-negative bacteria, high levels of carbapenem resistance were observed in A. baumannii (84% aztreonam resistance) and in K. pneumoniae (63%). P. aeruginosa exhibited elevated multidrug resistance, consistent with extensive antimicrobial selective pressure. MDR-TB exhibited a high burden of resistance, reaching 96%, with projections indicating a potential increase driven by monoresistance and resistance to rifampicin. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis who were HIV-positive or experiencing homelessness had a significantly higher likelihood of hospitalization (OR 5.59; 95% CI 3.09-10.11 and OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.48-5.81, respectively) and mortality (OR 3.34; 95% CI 1.72-6.49 and OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.16-5.79, respectively). Conclusions The expansion of resistance mechanisms suggests sustained selective pressure, underscoring the need for strategies to optimize antibiotics.