ABSTRACT
Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging world-wide problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to study the antimicrobial resistance pattern of microbial isolates from patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Material and methods: All isolates from different clinical samples were collected and processed by standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by modified Kirby Bauer method. All gram negative organisms were further tested for ESBL and MBL production. Results:Of 451 isolates, 353 (78.2%) were gram negative and 98 (21.7%) were gram positive cocci. The most frequent infections were lower respiratory tract infections (32.9%). The most frequently isolated organisms were P. aeruginosa (20.1%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.6%). Higher resistance (60-100%) was observed to amoxycillin, ceftazidime, amoxyclav, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole.ESBLs production was found in (45.3%) isolates. 75.0% of Staphylococcus aureus and 20.5% of S.epidermidiswere MRSA positive. 85.7% showed MBL production. Conclusion: Surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility patterns of predominant bacteria is necessary to monitor changes in susceptibility patterns and to guide the clinician in choosing empirical or directed therapy appropriately, especially in ICU setting.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are serious public health problem worldwide and major causes of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infections in this part of country. Methods: Serum samples of inpatients and outpatients were collected over a period of one and a half year. HBsAg was determined using the HBsAg one step (HEPACARD) hepatitis B surface antigen test device. Antibody detection of HCV was done using HCV TRI-DOT. Results: A total of 4369 serum samples were tested for HBsAg detection and 736 serum samples were tested for hepatitis C virus antibodies. Seropositivity for HBsAg was 1.69% whereas HCV seropositivity was 0.4%. A higher seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCV was found in males as compared with females. Conclusion: Attempts should be made to reduce the incidence of HCV and HBV and their unregulated spread which can be done by increasing public awareness of simple preventive measures.