Spectrum of Pathogens and their Antibiogram in the Microbiological Specimens Collected from Different Wards of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health challenge. India is facing higher mortality rates due to resistant infections, particularly in hospital settings. ESKAPE pathogens ( Enterococcus faecium , Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumannii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Enterobacter spp.) are significant contributors to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The goal of the study is to assess the prevalence of ESKAPE and common non-ESKAPE pathogens and their antimicrobial sensitivity profiles across different wards in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months in the Microbiology Department of Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital. A total of 302 culture-positive cases were analyzed, including both ESKAPE and non-ESKAPE organisms. Results: A . baumannii , P . aeruginosa , and K . pneumoniae were the most frequently isolated organisms. Klebsiella showed high sensitivity to gentamicin, while Pseudomonas exhibited resistance to most antibiotics in critical care units. A . baumannii from pediatric wards displayed good sensitivity to ampicillin sulbactam, and non-ESKAPE pathogens like Escherichia coli demonstrated significant resistance to first-line antibiotics. Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of both ESKAPE and non-ESKAPE pathogens in different wards of hospital and their sample-specific isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity, which helps to formulate ward-specific syndromic treatment protocols.