Bacterial profile, antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated factors among cancer patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Infectious diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients due to impaired immunity and the immunosuppressive effect of cancer treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the bacterial profile, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and factors associated among cancer patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 266 bacterial infection suspected cancer patients from January 1 to June 30, 2024. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood, urine, sputum, and swab samples were collected and transported to the Sidama Region Public laboratory, microbiology laboratory for bacterial investigation. Biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using standard bacteriological techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done to assess associated factors and a p-value of < 0.05 with 95% CI were considered statistically significant. Result Of the 266 samples cultured, 56 (21.1%) (95% CI = 16.2–25.9) were culture positive for bacterial infection. CoNS, 18 (32.1%) was the predominant isolate, followed by E. coli , 11 (19.6%) and K. pneumonia , 9 (16.1%). Gram-positive bacteria showed high resistance to nitrofurantoin, 23 (88.5%), tetracycline, and penicillin, 22 (84.6%) each. Similarly, gram negative bacteria showed high resistance to nitrofurantoin, 23 (76.7%) and tetracycline, 21 (70.0%). The overall prevalence of MDR organisms in this study was 46 (82.1%). All S. aureus and K. oxytoca isolates were MDR. Being a rural resident (AOR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.237–0.918; P = 0.027), stage I cancer (AOR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.007–0.884, P = 0.039) and patients with a cancer in progression, (AOR = 2.52; 95%CI = 1.011–6.298, P =0.047) were statistically associated with bacterial infection. Conclusion In the current study, the prevalence of bacterial infection among cancer patients was high (21.1%). CoNS were the most dominant isolates among cancer patients. High resistance of the isolates to commonly used antibiotics; nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, and penicillin were observed. Rural residence, stage I cancer, and progressive cancer showed significant associations with bacterial infections in cancer patients. Thus, the treatment of cancer patient’s bacterial infection should depend on an antimicrobial susceptibility test. Moreover, evaluation of bacterial infection risk factors and tracking of antibiotic resistance are crucial in the controlling of bacterial infection and drug resistance among cancer patients. Clinical trial Not applicable.