Achieving pre-eminence of antimicrobial resistance among non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli causing septicemia in intensive care units: A single center study of a tertiary care hospital.

Introduction: Bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit have always been a global healthcare challenge. The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the yearly trend of antibiotic resistance in non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) causing septicemia in intensive care units.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from the patients admitted in various intensive care units and processed for isolation and identification of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli. The isolated bacterial strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing as per standard operating procedures.

Results: Out of 3632 blood samples, 977 (26.9%) samples showed microbial growth, of which 10.1% were Gram positive cocci, 8.7% were Gram negative bacilli (Enterobacterales), 7% were NFGNB and 1% were Candida spp. Increasing resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii complex was observed to ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, meropenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Moreover, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were found to be associated with increased resistance to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime and meropenem. A substantial increase in resistance levels was observed among Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Sphingomonas paucimobilis as well.

Conclusions: An increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance in NFGNB envisages the worst consequences in ICUs in the coming years. Therefore, reviewing and strict implementation of the antimicrobial policies including 'rational use of antibiotics' is recommended.