A point prevalence survey of antimicrobial agents and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of admitted patients in acute wards of a teaching hospital in Western India

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial stewardship programme (AMSP) is an important strategy to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the community. Materials and Methods: A point prevalence survey was carried out in October 2018 in accordance with ECDC 2013 document. The survey was carried out on a single day in intensive care units, acute medical, acute surgical and family wards of a tertiary care hospital in western India. Results: Less than 44% of admitted patients in acute wards were found to be prescribed with antimicrobial agents (AMA). The culture report of clinical specimen sent was positive for pathogen growth in 21% samples. Cephalosporins, penicillins and quinolones were the most commonly prescribed AMA on inpatients of the hospital. Of these, 70% were administered parenterally and 46% were given for more than one week. 70% of the empirical therapy was found to be effective. Pathogens resistant to many WHO WATCH group AMA and aztreonam, a RESERVE AMA have been isolated in the survey. Two of the isolated pathogens showed sensitivity to less than 3 antibiotics. Conclusion: The present survey has revealed a high prevalence of infectious disease burden and antimicrobial usage in acute wards of our hospital. Keywords: Point prevalence survey, Antimicrobial stewardship programme, Antimicrobial resistance, Antibiotic consumption.