Prevalence of Common Bacterial Species in Clinical Specimens Referred to Medical Laboratories in Tarhuna Region and Their Most Appropriate Available Antibiotics

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing public health threat globally, with Libya experiencing particularly high resistance rates due to fragile health systems and limited surveillance. Understanding local resistance patterns is essential for guiding empiric antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial stewardship. A retrospective analysis was conducted on bacterial isolates from clinical specimens referred to medical laboratories in the Tarhuna region. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using standard microbiological procedures. Resistance rates were calculated for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Staphylococcus species against commonly used antibiotics. E. coli isolates demonstrated low resistance profiles, with Cefotaxime resistance at 14.3% and Trimethoprim resistance at 10%, while complete susceptibility (0% resistance) was observed for Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, and Ceftriaxone. Klebsiella isolates showed variable resistance: Nalidixic acid (25%), Augmentin (25%), Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (33.3%), and Tetracycline (7.7%), with full susceptibility to Cefotaxime, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Streptomycin. Staphylococcus species exhibited concerning resistance patterns, particularly to Ampicillin (92.9%), Nalidixic acid (92.9%), and Fusidic acid (84%), while Trimethoprim, Cefuroxime, and Streptomycin showed 0% resistance. This study reveals markedly lower resistance rates in Tarhuna compared to national Libyan averages, suggesting geographic heterogeneity in AMR patterns within Libya. The findings highlight the critical importance of local susceptibility data for guiding antibiotic selection and the need for expanded surveillance across all Libyan regions.