Background

Bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) and intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are significant causes of health and economic burdens in Vietnam. The bacteria causing these infections are becoming increasingly resistant to various antimicrobials, posing a substantial challenge for effective empiric treatment and an increased risk of poor clinical outcomes.

Generally, available data regarding the epidemiology, aetiology, antimicrobial resistance and outcomes of LRIs and IAIs in Vietnam are insufficient, often outdated and scattered due to a lack of systemic surveillance. We need to continually monitor the trend in epidemiology and resistance patterns of LRIs and IAIs to improve local empiric treatment guidelines and strengthen hospital infection control and prevention measures.

We will investigate the major antimicrobial resistance genes associated with resistance to drugs commonly used for the treatment of LRIs and IAIs, including 3rd generation cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Target population

All patients admitted to the six major tertiary hospitals in Vietnam from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020, who had a microbiological culture performed for suspected LRIs and IAIs.