A study of microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the organisms isolated from blood stream infection in patients of critical care units in tertiary care hospital in Western India

Introduction: BSI is a major cause of mortality in hospitalized patients. ICU patients are more likely to acquire nosocomial infections than other hospitalised patients. The nature of ICU environment is such, that makes it a focus for the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Aim and Objectives: To Study the spectrum of bacteria causing blood stream infection and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in patients of critical care units. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, PDU Medical College, Rajkot from January 2018 to June 2018. Blood samples were collected in BHIB and processed for culture on blood agar and MacConkey agar, Gram stain and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by modified Kirby Bauer method as per the CLSI guidelines. Results: 464(29.83%) were isolated from 1555 specimens. Out of these, 443 from NICU, 19 from PICU, 1 from ICCU and 1 from SICU, predominantly males (57.11%). GNB sensitivite to Imipenem (100%), Amikacin (95.67%), followed by Levoflox (95%) and Gentamicin (84.33%) and GPC to Linezolid (100%), Vancomicine (100%) followed by Gentamicin (99%) and Tetracycline (89%). Maximum resistance observed to Cephtazidim, Co-trimoxazole in GNB and Erythromicin, Clindamicin in GPC. Conclusion: Excessive use of broad spectrum antibiotics, immunocompromised hosts, invasive procedures make the ICU patients susceptible to colonization with highly resistant pathogens. This study helps to know the spectrum of bacteria causing BSIs and will guide the clinicians to use appropriate management strategies and to formulate local antibiotic policy, thereby will help in early cure and reduced hospital stay of the patients. Keywords: BSI, Blood stream Infection, Blood culture, Neonatal sepsis.