Current Pattern of Respiratory Pathogens and Their Sensitivity in Low Socio-Economical Female Population of Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the current pattern and antimicrobial sensitivity of respiratory pathogens in low socio-economical female population reporting to tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from October 2021 to September 2022. Methodology: The study was conducted on out-door and in-door female population presented with symptoms and signs of respiratory tract infections like fever, cough and dyspnea. The specimen included were nasal swab, throat swab, sputum, pleural fluid, tracheal tube culture and bronchial washings for culture and sensitivities. Results: Among 290 above mentioned specimens that yielded the growth of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most frequently isolated i.e in 124(42.7%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii in 63(21.7%), Klebseilla species in 28(9.6%), Eschrechia coli in 20(6.9%), Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 18(6.2%), Staphylococcus aureus in 09(3.1%), and several other gram positive and gram negative organisms. Being a part of developing country, it is one of the leading cause of frequent hospital visits and medications. Female population of low socio-economic ethnic group was most prevalent. Gram negative organisms were seen in highest percentages and were showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics like ampicillin, co-amoxiclav, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. Conclusion: To overcome the problem of multidrug resistance and for better treatment outcome, the results for culture and sensitivities should be consulted and relied upon. It gives us better insight towards the prevalent organisms in our set up and the effective treatment options for respiratory tract infections.