PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF ACINETOBACTER SPECIES AMONG VARIOUS CLINICAL SAMPLES IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, SVIMS, TIRUPATHI.
Multidrug resistance isolates of Acinetobacter sp. are increasing due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics in health care settings. The incidence of resistance to broad spectrum antibiotics is increasing and thus posing a therapeutic challenge. All samples were processed and isolates were identified as per standard protocol. 5Antibiotic susceptibility of all isolates was determined by the standard Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per Clinical laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines 2017.6 Majority of the Acinetobacter sp. were isolated from E.T aspirates (47.3%). In our study A.baumannii (65.3%) was the most common species responsible for the infections. Among 150 Acinetobacter isolates, 68% of isolates were multidrug resistant organisms, 52% were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers and 44% of isolates were carbapenem resistant. To abate antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobials ought to be prescribed sensibly and observational antimicrobial treatment ought to be resolved for every hospital as per institutional antibiogram. Strict adherence to the antibiotic policy and proper implementation of antibiotic stewardship program in coordination with clinicians can reduce emergence of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter species which is of great concern.