European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

BACTERIAL ETIOLOGY AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF RESPIRATORY ISOLATES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF EASTERN NEPAL

Dristi Halwai*, Abhilasha Sharma, Narayan Raj Bhattarai and Basudha Khanal

ABSTRACT

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is one of most common infections. Multidrug resistance (MDR) strains of bacteria causing respiratory infections are becoming world-wide problem. The study was designed to determine bacteriological etiology and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of respiratory isolates at BPKIHS. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Microbiology for one year (1st August 2018 to 31st July2019). A total of 1755 sputum samples of patients suspected of LRTI were obtained in the Department of Microbiology. Culture and bacterial isolates were identified with use of standard method as described by American Society for Microbiology. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion as described by Clinical and laboratory standards institute. Results: Out of total 1755 sputum samples, 468 (26.6%) showed significant bacterial growth. Among 468 bacterial growth, 82.9% were gram negative bacilli and 17.1% were gram positive cocci. Klebsiella pneumoniae was reported the most common etiological agent (24.35%), followed by Acinetobacter baumanni complex (19.23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.09%), and Staphylocooccus aureus (14.74%). MDR isolates accounted for 43% of isolates. Conclusions: High-level antimicrobial resistance was observed in LRTI with alarming incidence of MDR, ESBL and MRSA. Regular surveillance should be carried out to determine the local prevalence of micro-organisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities in order to guide the proper management.

Keywords: LRTI, MDR, ESBL, MRSA.