Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and relevant treatment options in a neonatal intensive care unit from January 2012 and June 2016. Out of the total 78 culture positive samples, Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms were 26% and 74% respectively. Acinetobacter remained the predominant isolate (32.1%) followed by Klebsiella species (18.0%). Most of the Gram positive isolates exhibited higher resistance to penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolides, gentamycin and quinolones. Gram positive isolates had sensitivity of 100% to linezolid, vancomycin, chloramphenicol followed by rifampicin (84%). In comparison to other commonly used antibiotics, sensitivity to these four medicines was statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, most of the Gram negative bacteria showed resistance to cephalosporin, aminoglycosides. About two-third cases showed resistant to meropenum, quinolones and combination preparation of piperacillin and tazobactam. Overall sensitivity among the Gram negative isolates was to polymixin B (100%) and minocycline (97%), followed by colistin (83%). In comparison to other commonly used antibiotics, sensitivity to these three medicines was statistically significant (p<0.05).