eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Microbiological Research 2328-4137 2024-06-26 12 3 38 44 10.12691/ajmr-12-3-1 AJMR20241231 article Toukam Michel 1 2 Mbanzouen William Arnaud wam.cpc@gmail.com 2 3 Ngome Minone Rosanne 3 Belinga Suzanne 3 Tagne Larissa 3 Simo Pierrette 3 Sokeng Esther 3 Abanda Marcelle 3 Ngon Urbaine 3 Noubissi-Jouegouo Laurence 3 Ango Manuella 3 Ndamukong Harley 3 Mbe Jean Romain 3 Tassadjo Flaubert 3 Fouda Thierry 3 Biloa Edvige 3 Ngongang Dimitri 4 Nzouankeu Ariane 5 Lyonga Mbamyah Emilia 5 Department of microbiology, parasitology, hematology and infectious diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde Cameroon Faculty of science, department of microbiology, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde Cameroon Microbiology Section of the Hygiene and Environment Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon Introduction: Septic arthritis is a serious medical emergency because of the morbidity and functional risks it entails. Variations in the microbiological profile and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance remain a challenge. This study was undertaken to determine the bacterial aetiologies of septic arthritis and their antimicrobial resistance trends, in order to update data and contribute to better therapeutic management of patients suffering from this pathology. Methods: A retrospective and prospective study was carried out on joint fluids received at the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun Laboratory between 2016 and 2021. Cytobacteriological analysis was performed on these joint fluids according to the medical microbiology guidelines. Results: 471 joint fluids were received and tested, of which 83 (17.6%) were culture positive. The main bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (n=33; 38.8%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=5; 5.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=5; 5.9%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (n=4; 4.7%). Vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid and nitrofuran were 100% active on gram-positive cocci, while imipenem and amikacin were active on gram-negative bacteria, with sensitivity frequencies of 92.3% and 80.8% respectively. We also observed a significant upward trend in the frequency of isolation of MDR bacteria from joint fluids during the study period. Conclusion: Although the frequency of joint fluid infections is not very high, there is still a predominance of staphylococcus aureus. We therefore suggest combining these antibiotics during empirical treatment until definitive culture results are available https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajmr/12/3/1/ajmr-12-3-1.pdf Septic arthritis antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Joint Fluids