A Spectrum of Causative Organisms of Healthcare-associated Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of West Bengal: An Observational Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Nosocomial infections are the foremost reasons for morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Rampant use of antibiotics in infections has led to the emergence of multiresistant bacteria worldwide. Periodical review of sensitivity profiles is of utmost importance for optimal patient benefit. Aims and objectives To explore the spectrum of organisms responsible for intensive care unit (ICU) and inpatient hospital-acquired sepsis and evaluate the pattern of antibiotic sensitivity of the organisms. Materials and methods Samples were collected from all consecutive patients getting fever and satisfying the criteria for a nosocomial infection indoor as well as ICU, irrespective of etiology. They included sputum, blood, urine, and wound swabs. All samples were sent for a routine examination as well as a culture and sensitivity test. Descriptive statistical methods were used with the help of SPSS version 21. Results The most frequent organisms for nosocomial infections in the ICU were Enterobacteriaceae (45%), Acinetobacter (13.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (12.3%). In the general wards, the most common isolates were Enterobacteriaceae (59.9%), S. aureus (14.5%), Enterococcus (9.8%), and Pseudomonas (9.3%). There was a high percentage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase among the Enterobacteriacae, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus among S. aureus and metallo-ß-lactamase among the Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. These indicate resistance to most beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and at times to carbapenems. There was also coresistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Conclusion An antibiotic policy should be improvised for each healthcare facility on the basis of that point of time. How to cite this article Ghosh S, Mukhopadhyay M, Namhata A, et al. A Spectrum of Causative Organisms of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of West Bengal: An Observational Study. Bengal Physician Journal 2020;7(1):2–7.