Multidrug-resistant bacteria amid health-system collapse in Gaza

The Israeli military invasion of Gaza has led to widespread destruction of the healthcare system, resulting in a proliferation of disease outbreaks. Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, one of the only functioning microbiology services, has been partially operational, treating large volumes of traumatic injuries despite frequent airstrikes. A study reviewed 1317 primary samples collected and processed from the hospital between November 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. The majority of the samples were multidrug resistant, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominating. The study found high resistance among Enterobacterales spp isolates, with over 90% resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanate, cefuroxime, and cefotaxime. Resistance to ceftriaxone and ceftazidime was also alarmingly high, suggesting a widespread presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales.