ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM PUS AND WOUND SWABS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH INDIA
Keywords:
Antimicrobial Resistance, Wound Infections, Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Pus And Wound Swabs, Gram-Negative Pathogens, Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns.Abstract
Background: Wound infections represent a considerable clinical challenge, sometimes exacerbated by the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria. These infections not only prolong recovery but also elevate hospitalizations, expenses, and morbidity rates. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. Pus and wound swab specimens were obtained from infected patients and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques for bacterial identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted with the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI recommendations. The analysis of data was conducted utilizing SPSS version 26.0. Result: A total of 1132 isolates were detected, with Pseudomonas spp. (429), Klebsiella spp. (268), and E. coli (262) as the most predominant species. Elevated resistance rates were noted in all groups, especially towards beta-lactams and carbapenems. Staphylococcus aureus exhibited 55.5% susceptibility to gentamicin; nonetheless, a notable incidence of MRSA was observed. Strains of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were also detected. Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning degree of multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens associated with wound infections, demanding a transition to culture-guided antibiotic administration and stringent infection control protocols. The immediate execution of antibiotic stewardship and regional resistance monitoring initiatives is essential to address this escalating threat.
