Study of prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of blood culture isolates from a tertiary care hospital in South India

Bloodstream infections progress rapidly to life threatening septicemia and sepsis and hence appropriate rapid management is crucial. A prospective study was carried out in the department of microbiology where patients with clinical suspension of bacteremia were enrolled and blood culture was performed. The isolates were identified by phenotypic characters and antimicrobial susceptibility performed. A total of 1200 blood samples were collected out of which 279 were positive for aerobic bacterial growth. was the most commonly isolated organism followed by and . Gentamicin (81.6%), Levofloxacin (75%), Meropenem (88.5%) and (93.8%) showed higher sensitivities when compared to Cephalosporins (55%-68%) and penicillin. Gram-negative bacteria have high resistance rates and discordant antibiotic treatment can lead to multi-organ involvement. Proper timely institution of empirical treatment and adherence to antimicrobial stewardship guidelines coupled with aggressive management is crucial in saving lives.