Sheril KC, K. Chandrasekharan
The emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents is a global public health problem, particularly in pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Antimicrobial resistance results in increased illness, deaths, and health-care costs. The study was carried out over a period of six months from July 2011 to January 2012. During the entire study period, a total of 69 patients antibiogram report were collected. Of these, 25 patients were identified as Nosocomial infections. Among these 25 patients, 64% (n=16) were male and 36% (n=9) were female. Age group analysis of the patients showed that, the most prominent age group were ‘61-70’ years comprising of 32% (n=8). The study showed that the most important department generating the highest number of positive cultures were neurology department with 36% (n=9). Nosocomial infections contribute to extra hospital days and causing extra charges per hospitalization. During the entire study period showed that most of the patients received one antibiotic as per their treatment schedule i.e 52% (n=13), The most commonly prescribed antibiotics during the entire study period were Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid (21.88% prescriptions). Out of the 25 cases identified, gram-negative organisms were highly prevalent. This study conveys that the major reason for antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate use of antibiotics due to lack of uniform policies. So it is the time to think, plan and formulate a strong antibiotic policy to address this present scenario. Hence in the near future itself antibiotic prescribing guidelines have to be prepared and implemented for Nososcomial infections.
