ANTIBIOGRAM OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS AT SHARDA HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT: Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, often complicated by multidrug-resistant organisms. Timely identification of causative pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns is essential for guiding effective therapy. Objective: To determine the prevalence of bacterial isolates from BSIs and assess their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in patients admitted to the critical care units of Sharda Hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a defined period in the ICU and other critical care areas of Sharda Hospital. Blood samples from suspected BSI cases were cultured and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Results: A total of 66 positive blood cultures were analysed. Gram-negative bacteria were predominant, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli as the most common isolates, while among Gram-positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) was frequently isolated. Alarmingly high resistance rates were observed against cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones among Gram-negative isolates. Carbapenems showed better efficacy but with emerging resistance. Vancomycin and linezolid retained high sensitivity among Gram-positive isolates. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant burden of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing BSIs in critical care settings. Regular surveillance of antibiograms and adherence to antibiotic stewardship policies are imperative to optimize treatment outcomes and curb antimicrobial resistance.