Study of frequency of bacteria isolated from blood culture and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Taleghani Hospital, Kermanshah, 2011‎

Background: The invasion of microorganisms into the bloodstream and spread to different parts of body can cause disruption the functions of vital organs and even death. The proper and prompt treatment is essential and can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the frequency and the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from blood cultures in patients suspected to septicemia.

Materials and Methods: In this study, blood samples of patients were cultured and isolated bacteria were identified using standard methods. Antibacterial susceptibility testing of isolated bacteria to selected antibiotics was performed using disk diffusion method based on CLSI recommendations. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical indices.

Results: The results showed 17.4% of the blood cultures were positive for bacteria. Isolated bacteria were 50% gram-positive included coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus and 50% were gram-negative bacteria included Klebsiella,
Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Serratia marcescens. The grampositive isolates were resistant to cefotaxime (75%) and penicillin (66.5%). The gram-negative isolates were resistant to Cotrimoxazole (45%).

Conclusion: Given the increased prevalence of infections caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococci, the use of antibiotics should comply with the results of antibacterial susceptibility testing. It is necessary to performed blood cultures and antibacterial
susceptibility testing in suspected cases. For the treatment of septicemia, vancomycin for gram-positive and ciprofloxacin, amikacin and third generation of cephalosporins for gram-negative bacteria are more effective drugs.