Early Detection of Pyogenic Infections using Chromogenic Agar: Diagnostic Utility and Antibiotic Susceptibility

The swift and precise diagnosis of pyogenic infections is essential for efficient treatment, particularly in resource-constrained facilities. The present study assessed the effectiveness of chromogenic agar (HiCrome) in isolating pyogenic organisms in comparison to traditional culture techniques as periodic reassessment is crucial to ensure its continued diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness in the face of evolving pathogens, changing laboratory conditions, and antimicrobial stewardship requirements. One hundred clinical samples suspected of pyogenic infections were analysed using HiCrome agar and traditional culture methods. Bacterial isolates were identified using colony morphology and biochemical assays. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed via the disk diffusion method, and the turnaround time (TAT) for results was documented. HiCrome agar demonstrated a rapid isolation rate, with 57.55% of isolates documented within 24 h In contrast, conventional methods required 48 h for complete identification, achieving a 100% success rate at that time. On the antibiogram, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited high sensitivity to carbapenems, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed variable resistance patterns. The HiCrome agar effectively isolated the key pyogenic organisms, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecium (all with 100% matching rate), Staphylococcus aureus (92.31% matching rate), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (85.71% matching rate) but had limitations with certain fastidious organisms, which showed lower matching rates. HiCrome agar is an efficient tool for the swift identification of pyogenic infections, offering considerable benefits in turnaround time. Nonetheless, traditional approaches are crucial for thorough identification, especially for demanding organisms. A synergistic approach employing both approaches may enhance diagnostic precision and elevate patient outcomes in clinical environments.