CHANGING TREND OF ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF COMMON GRAM NEGATIVE BACILLI ISOLATED FROM MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Resistance among Gram-negative bacilli antimicrobial remains a significant problem for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).  Multi-resistant gram-negative bacilli are important pathogens in ICUs, causing high rate of mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate change in antimicrobial resistance patterns among common Gram-negative bacilli isolated from Medical ICU patients.

Method and Materials:  In duration of two years (2011, 2012) all Gram negative bacilli isolated from different clinical specimens from MICU were evaluated for sensitivity patterns by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: The most frequently isolated organisms were Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp.. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns significantly declined in those organisms, A baumannii showed decreased susceptibility to carbapenem (4.2%  to 56.2% resistant), ampicillin sulbactam (48.1 to 62.5% resistant)and netilmycin (68.5 to 87.7% resistant).Pseudomonas aeruginosa  also showed decreased susceptibility for carbapenem (6.2 % to 43.9% resistant),netilmycin and for quinolones(II)(resistant up to 65.1 & 76.2% respectively).Same way susceptibility to commonly use antibiotics for E.coli and Klebsiella sp. were also decreased.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem in MICU. Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility and strict adherence to infection prevention guidelines are essential to eliminate major outbreaks in the future.

KEY WORDS: MICU, Antibiotic resistance, Gram negative bacilli