Anusha N1, Madhu K. P2, B. J. Arun3, B. Vidyasagar4
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory infections in critically ill patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients who are mechanically ventilated are at high risk of acquiring respiratory infections due to complex interplay between the endotracheal tube, host immunity and virulence of invading bacteria. To initiate empiric antimicrobial therapy knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance patterns are essential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study of 45 adult patients who were mechanically ventilated for various reasons in ICU of our hospital over a period of- 6 months (Jan-June 2013) was undertake to study microbiological profile and sensitive characteristics of endotracheal aspirate obtained on day one of intubation. RESULTS: Culture showed growth in 34(75.5%) patients. Gram negative enteric aerobic bacteria were isolated from most of the patients. The most common being Klebsiella species in 13(38.23%), followed by Pseudomonas in 8 (23.52%), Aerobic gram positive cocci i.e., staphylococcus aureus isolated in 2(5.88%) patients. Most of these organisms were susceptible to aminoglycoside and carbapenem antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Gram negative organisms susceptible mostly to aminoglycoside & Carbapenem group of antibiotics form the predominant isolates in our critical care setup. A local antibiogram for each hospital, based on bacteriological patterns and susceptibilities is essential to initiate empiric therapy, to prevent poor outcomes and help in framing the appropriate institutional antibiotic policy.
