Abstract

ANTIBIOGRAM OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA ISOLATED FROM VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

VAP is the most common nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) with an incidence ranging from 8% to 28% in mechanically ventilated patients [1, 2]. The mortality and the morbidity associated with VAP can be reduced by early identification of the pathogen and administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major nosocomial pathogen, which causes variety of infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections and bacteremia. It accounts for 9-10% of hospital infections [5]. Antibiotic resistance, a global concern, is particularly pressing in developing nations, including India [6]. Drug resistance is due to many factors such as overuse and misuse of antibiotics, incorrect choice of an antibiotic, poor compliance etc. . The aim of the present study was to know the prevalence and antibiogram of pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from VAP. This was a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India. The data was obtained from the Microbiology department from March 2009 to March 2011. Most common gram positive organism was coagulase negative staphylococci and most common gram negative bacilli was Acinetobacter baunannii followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to most commonly used antibiotics, highest resistance was seen with Cephalosporin group followed by Fluoroquinolones (table 3). Least resistance was seen with Aztreonam followed by Imipenem. Increasing Cephalosporin and Fluoroquinolone resistance is a matter of concern. Local bacteriological data should be collected regularly and such information should be utilized in guiding the empirical antibiotic therapy and also to develop an effective antibiotic policy.

Keywords: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), antibiogram, resistance, intensive care unit