V. AMSAVENI AND S. S. SUDHA
Abstract
Drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is rapidly increasing in hospitalized patients. A prospective study on various clinical isolates, from patients admitted from various parts of Coimbatore was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Prevalence of drug resistant isolates was estimated by screening with anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, gender wise and hospital ward wise. Among 750 samples processed 95 were confirmed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest rate of infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in ICU and general internal ward. Gender wise prevalence showed 62% male and 37% females were infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest percentage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were observed in pus (40%) and urine (32%) samples. The results showed that antimicrobial resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa gradually increased for most anti-pseudomonal agents, such as amoxyclave(96.84), ceftriaxone(95%), ceftazidime (71%) and ticarcillin(76%). Amikacin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, tobramycin, piperacillin and gentamycin are the drugs of choice for the treatment, but in the near future the antimicrobial agents may lose their efficacy because of the spread of resistant organism due to indiscriminate use of antibiotic, lack of awareness, patient non compliance and unhygienic condition. Etiologic shifts in nosocomial infections and an upsurge of antimicrobial resistance among these pathogens are impressive and alarming. Continued local surveillance studies are urged to monitor emerging antimicrobial resistance and to guide interventions to minimize its occurrence.