Objective:

to characterize the microorganisms involved in intra-abdominal infections, and to phenotype their resistance profiles to the use of antibiotics in the General Surgery Service of the Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, from 2014 to 2017.

Methodology:

quantitative approach; descriptive type, non-experimental design of case study and transversal, through sampling of abdominal secretions in the operating room which were cultured in blood agar and McConkey media, Gram stain, leukocyte count, and Kirby-Bauer test for antimicrobial sensitivity. Sample of 211 patients older than 16 years who attended the institution with the diagnosis of acute surgical infectious abdomen.

Results:

acute surgical infectious abdomen due to acute appendicitis was the most common intra-abdominal infection, most frequent age group: <26 years. Most frequently isolated etiologic agents: Gram-negative bacilli, most frequent species: E. coli (57.3%), K. pneumoniae (10.9%) and P. aeruginosa (6.16%). Of all the isolated microorganisms, 57.6% expressed at least one resistance phenotype. Most common phenotype: extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and quinolone efflux pump (18.8%). Microorganisms with the highest percentages of resistance: Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp (~100%). The best percentages of sensitivity ofE. coli, K. pneumoniaeandP. aeruginosawere to colistin, carbapenemics and amikacin (100%).

Conclusion:

Carbapenemics and aminoglycosides will remain the drugs of choice in intra-abdominal infections at Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes.