Isolation of pathogens from tracheal infection of intensive care unit admitted patients and analysis of antibiotic susceptibility

Abstract

Being a highly vulnerable group, ICU patients are prone to be affected by infectious diseases due to various invasive, operation procedures as well as their critical health conditions. Tracheal specimens were tested to determine the prevalence, types and susceptibility of microorganism against regular antibiotic including the 4th generation drugs. Prevalence of gram-negative bacteria outnumbered (81%) other microorganism, where Acinetobacter spp. & Klebsiella spp. contributed 56% of the total organisms. Staphylococcus aureus & Candida spp. were, however, the most prevalent gram-positive bacteria and fungi respectively. Among the five most prevalent bacteria other than Staphylococcus aureus, 90% or more were found to be resistant to multiple drugs. Whereas, around 60% of Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were extensively drug resistant. Imprudent use of antibiotics, inattention of caregivers, inadequate disinfection of equipments, lacking protocol has been remaining the principal cause of this scenario. However, proper training, monitoring and motivation can combat the rapid spread of infectious microbes.