Nosocomial methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus frequency in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens world wide. The present descriptive study was carried out to determine the frequency of MRSA isolates in Jinnah Hospital Lahore, which is a major tertiary care hospital. Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] isolates recovered from various clinical samples received from inpatient departments of Jinnah Hospital Lahore [JHL] were included in the study. Screening for MRSA was done by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique according to the CLSI guide lines. A total of 864 isolates of S. aureus were cultured. Two hundred and forty [27.77%] were found to be MRSA. Maximum isolation was from endotracheal tubes and ceritral venous [CV] catheters. MRSA infections are emerging as a serious health problem in our set up. Joint efforts by clinicians, clinical microbiologists, hospital management and public health authorities are required to meet the challenge of MRSA on the forefront

Frequency of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing gram negative bacilli among clinical isolates

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL]-producing bacteria are emerging pathogens. They are descended by genetic mutation from native beta-lactamases found in gram negative bacteria, especially infectious strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. Clinicians, microbiologists, infection control practitioners, and hospital epidemiologists are concerned about ESBL-producing bacteria because of the increasing incidence of such infections, the limitations of effective antimicrobial drug therapy, and adverse patient outcomes. The present study was undertaken to determine the frequency of ESBL producing gram negative bacilli recovered from clinical specimens in our setup. A total of 3099 gram negative isolates recovered from various clinical samples during the period of January 2007 to December 2008 were processed for the detection of ESBL production. Among them 35.5% bacterial strains were found to be ESBL producers. The commonest ESBL producing organism isolated was Escherecia coli [44.8%], followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae [38.6%]. Production of ESBLs by gram negative bacteria is emerging as a widespread problem in our setup. Appropriate infection control and antibiotic management strategies are needed to stem the spread of this emerging form of resistance