Antibiotic resistance in the paediatric population in Pakistan (1996-2025): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Hosp InfectJul 29, 2026 (epub)
Muhammad Kamran, Adeel Shahid, Muhammad A Ahmar
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined antibiotic resistance in the pediatric population of Pakistan from 1996 to 2025. It found a pooled bacteriologically confirmed sepsis positivity rate of 24.9% and an in-hospital mortality rate of 17.5%. The study highlights a significant rise in multi-drug resistance among Salmonella typhi/paratyphi isolates, increasing from 46.5% in 1996 to 92.9% in 2024.
Key findings
- Pooled bacteriologically confirmed sepsis positivity was 24.9% (95% CI: 14.7-36.7%).
- In-hospital mortality associated with sepsis was 17.5% (95% CI: 13.9-21.5%).
- Multi-drug resistance rate among Salmonella typhi/paratyphi isolates rose from 46.5% in 1996 to 92.9% in 2024.
- Ceftazidime-avibactam resistance reached 70.5% among carbapenem-resistant isolates.
Why it matters
The increasing rates of antibiotic resistance in children pose a significant public health threat, complicating treatment options and increasing mortality. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective interventions and stewardship programs.