Bacteriological Etiology and Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern in Blood Samples from the Patients Attending Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nepal

Background: Bacteriological aetiology and its culture sensitivity pattern is an important parameter for evaluating antibiotic use in Emergency Department. Blood-stream infections cause significant morbidity and mortality, increase in length of hospital stay and increased cost of care. Frequent inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to emergence of drug-resistant bacteria pathogens. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify likely etiologic agents’ and antibiotic sensitivity profile of bacteria from blood stream infection in Emergency Department of Patan Hospital. Methodology: The study was conducted at tertiary care hospital from July to August 2014 blood culture was done and antibiotic susceptibility test was performed following Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique and growth and sensitivity pattern of organisms isolated were analyzed. Results: There were 282 blood culture sent from the Emergency Department. The most common bacterial isolates were Enterobacter species. Second most common bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae. Enterobacter species was more sensitive to Chloramphenicol, Amikacin and Gentamycin. While Streptococcus pneumoniae was sensitive to most of the antibiotics, we also found that 65.3% bacterial isolates were resistant to Cephalosporin. Conclusion: Contaminated blood samples were found higher therefore, emphasis should be given in reducing the contamination. Proper cleaning of skin with antiseptic and guidelines to draw blood for culture should be familiarized and strictly followed while drawing the blood and others from Emergency Department of Patan Hospital.