The isolation pattern, species distribution and antibiotic susceptibility profile of coagulase negative Staphylococci: an emerging opportunistic pathogen.

Abstract

Background: Gram negative pathogens are an important cause of community and hospital acquired infections throughout the world. Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the more common causes of these infections and one of the important aspects of Klebsiella associated infections is the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains particularly those involved in nosocomial diseases. This study was done to determine the isolation rate of Klebsiella, their antibiogram and for the presence of resistant strains from sputum samples. Materials & Methods: A total number of 128 sputum samples were included in the present study. A total of 128 organisms were isolated, of them 30 (23%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella were identified by standard microbiological techniques and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted as per CLSI guidelines. A total of 30 Klebsiella spp were isolated from 128 sputum samples, 100% were Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive to Amikacin (66%) Ciprofloxacin (68%), Gentamicin (62%), Cefepime (60%), Imipenem (56.66%), Aztreonam (52.63%). Isolates showed high resistance to Ticarcillin clavulanic acid (81%), Tobramycin (58%), Co-trimoxazole (50%). Results: The present study reveals the frequency of isolation of Klebsiella from sputum samples and their tendency towards antibiotic resistance. K. pneumonia was found to be most sensitive to Amikacin, Gentamicin, Cefepime, Imipenem, Aztreonam and Ciprofloxacin. Females above 60 years of age are more affected and infections are more commonly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and pneumonia. Conclusion: The data of this study may be used to determine trends in antimicrobial susceptibilities to formulate local antibiotic policies and overall to assist clinicians in the rational choice of antibiotic therapy.