Determination of the Common Microorganisms Present in the Intensive Care Unit of Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Southeast Nigeria: A Prospective, Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Bacterial contamination of inanimate surfaces in the intensive care unit (ICU) and subsequent cross-transmission of the microorganisms may play a significant role in ICU-acquired infections.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the common organisms in the ICU and their sensitivity profile.

Subjects and methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institution's Health Research and Ethics Committee. Sampling involved all the equipment and furniture with which the health workers and patients have greater contact within the ICU and also the air. Sample collection was done using the open plate method for air and the swab method for the surfaces of equipment and furniture. Microbial growths were isolated using the standard bacteriological methods such as lactose fermentation and gram stain while antibiotic sensitivity was achieved with the disc diffusion method.

Results: A total of 66 samples were collected and 36 (54.5%) yielded microbial growth, 4 (11.1%) were by open plate method, and 32 (88.9%) by swab method. 27 (61.4%) of the isolates were Gram-negative organisms while 9 (20.5%) were Gram-positive organisms. Escherichia coli was the most dominant isolate 26 (59.1%) followed by Staphylococcus spp. 9 (20.5%), fungi 8 (18.2%), and Klebsiella spp. 1 (2.3%). All the isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone/sulbactam and ofloxacin, but they were resistant to augmentin, cefixime, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, erythromycin, azithromycin, and gentamycin. However, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and imipenem were effective with all the isolates except Klebsiella.

Conclusion: The bacteria contamination rate in the ICU was relatively high, mostly by Gram-negative organisms. Frequent profiling and sensitivity testing of the microbial load in the ICU are advocated to guide treatment.