Antibiotic Resistance and Sensitivity Patterns of Commonly Isolated Pathogens from Holy Family Hospital against Cephalosporins

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is increasing
dramatically with the passage of time due to an
indiscriminate use and prescription of antibiotics in
Pakistan. It is therefore necessary to conduct studies
identifying resistance and sensitivity patterns time and
again so infections can be treated appropriately. Hence,
to determine the efficacy of Cephalosporins against
pathogens isolated in Holy Family Hospital we
conducted this study.

Materials and Methods: In this cross
sectional study 382 culture positive samples were
studied. Bacteria which are recommended to be tested
against Cephalosporins as per Clinical & Laboratory
Standard Institute were included in the study. Several
samples were collected from the OPD and wards of the
hospital. The specimen were stored at appropriate
temperature and analyzed in the laboratory to
determine the presence of different pathogens by use of
microbiological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic
resistance was determined using the disc diffusion
method. Previous records were also included in the
study. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS
version 23. Pearson’s chi square test was used to
identify.

Results: Out of the 382 positive culture
samples, the most common bacteria to be
isolated was Escherichia Coli, followed by
Acinetobacter, Klebsiella Pneumonae,
Pseudomonas, Coliforms, Proteus, Enterococci
and Providencia. Cephradine had 100%
resistance against Enterococcus. While 3rd
generation Cephalosporins, Cefixime,
Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime and Ceftraixonehad 92.9%, 93.2%, 83.9% and 93.5% resistance.
The 4th generation Cephalosporin, Cefepime had
78.7% resistance. Acinetobacter showed complete
resistance against all the generations of
cephalosporins. Maximum sensitivity (40%)
was shown by Escherichia Coli against
Cefepime Patterns of resistance shown
gainst Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone and Cefepime showed
association with the type of bacteria, P-values 0.020,
0.002 and 0.026 respectively.

Conclusion: Cephalosporins have started to
lose their efficacy in the treatment of commonly
isolated bacteria in hospitals. Cefepime may still
be used to treat Urinary tract infections, rest of
the cephalosporins have become resistant.

Key Words: Cephalosporins, Antibiotic Resistance,
Acinetobacter