Antimicrobial resistance pattern of faecal Escherichia coli isolates: story of antibiotic use and misuse

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge of concern for treating patients. Emergence of antibiotic resistance among hospitalized patients has received considerable emphasis, while multi drug resistance also has an impact on community. It is well known that commensal faecal flora are reservoir of resistance genes, as well as site where resistance genes can be transferred. Aims & Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolates from patients with suspected intestinal infection with and without diarrhoea attending outpatient department in tertiary care center. Material & Methods: This retrospective short observational study was carried out on 111 non repetitive fecal samples received in microbiology laboratory. Escherichia coli (E.coli) strains isolated were evaluated for resistance pattern. Results: Among 46(41.81%) isolated E.coli strains 84.78% isolates exhibited resistance to two or more antimicrobials, whereas 45.65% isolates were multi drug resistant. Decreased susceptibility was observed for first line antibiotics which tend to be more affordable and accessible to families, followed by 3rd generation cephalosporin’s. However, resistance among quinolones and aminoglycosides varies between 20-30%. Imipenem was observed as most sensitive followed by Piperacillin + Tazobactum (100.00% and 86.95% respectively). Conclusion: Consequences of resistance are harder to define than microbiologists might wish. Some patients recover despite inadequate treatment whereas others failed to respond despite appropriate therapy. Increased morbidity and mortality are the most dramatic consequences of drug resistance.