A study of antibiotic sensitivity patterns in patients with clinically suspected septicemia

Abstract Background: Bloodstream infections are deadly, causing multi-organ failure, shock, and death. Treatment depends on the most prevalent microorganisms and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in the area. This knowledge is crucial for starting treatment before culture reports are available. Once the report is available, empirical antibiotic therapy can be initiated. Objective: The objective was to study antibiotic sensitivity patterns in patients with clinically suspected septicemia. Materials and Methods: A 1-year prospective study was conducted among 200 patients with sepsis. Positive blood culture bottles were collected from patients suspected of septicemia. BACTEC 9050 analyzed blood culture samples, following standard guidelines and protocols. BACTEC 9050 analyzed blood culture samples, following standard guidelines and protocols. Results: The most affected age group was 2–10 years (42.5%). Males were more affected (58%) than females. Gram-negative bacilli dominated (87%) over Gram-positive cocci infections. In one-third of cases, blood cultures took 24–72 h to turn positive. The most common microorganism isolated was Salmonella typhi (41%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (27%). Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were 100% sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin. Streptococci were 100% sensitive to all antibiotics used. Enterococcus spp. were 100% sensitive to linezolid and teicoplanin. Salmonella spp. (including paratyphi A and B) were 100% sensitive to all except tetracycline and azithromycin. Conclusion: Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria caused bloodstream infections, many of which were multidrug-resistant, leaving limited treatment options.