Bacteriological trends and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates at Government Cancer Hospital, Marathwada.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing and starting early treatment of infections in patients whose immunity system is weak due to malignancies can reduce mortality. Since our hospital is a newly constructed one, this study aimed to determine microbial and antibiotic resistance patterns in clinical samples of patients with cancer at our center to start early treatment before the results of clinical tests are known.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Government Cancer Hospital during the period from January 2016 to December 2016. A total 170 clinical samples (urine, blood, sputum, pus, etc.) were collected and processed for culture, identification as per standard recommended procedures and antibiotic susceptibility testing were carried out on isolates as per Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.

RESULTS: A total of 170 specimens were cultured. Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most commonly encountered. A high level of resistance to various antibiotics was noted among Gram-negative bacteria. Resistance among Gram-positive was not acute.

CONCLUSION: The present study reveals microbiological profile in patients attending our hospital. Regular surveillance helps in implementing better therapeutic strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated in patients in health-care facility.