Factors associated with multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) mortality: an analysis from the national surveillance of multidrug-resistant organism, 2018-2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths linked to bacterial AMR in 2019. A study conducted at 28 Malaysian hospitals found that 9.6% of patients died overall, while 90.4% survived. Healthcare-acquired infection (HCAI) poses a high risk of mortality, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.91. The presence of sterile specimens was significantly associated with increased mortality risk. Gram-negative bacteria had a greater mortality risk, with Acinetobacter baumanii having the highest prevalence of 30.7%. Patients in medical-based departments had a greater mortality risk. The study concludes that HCAIs, Gram-negative bacteria, sterile specimens, medical-based departments, and state hospitals are associated with increased mortality risk in patients with MDRO infections. Improved surveillance and reporting mechanisms are needed to better understand the burden of MDRO infections and guide research funding allocation.