ABSTRACT
To determine the current sensitivity and resistance profile of Salmonellae [S.] isolates in a laboratory setting. An observational study. Dr. Essa's Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre, Karachi, Pakistan, from November 2008 - October 2010. Isolates from blood culture specimens of 481 bacteraemic patients were identified using conventional biochemical tests. Salmonellae was confirmed with specific antisera and their antibiograms determined by Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method using 12 relevant antibiotics. Inclusions of the study were bacteraemia documented in all blood samples positive for S. typhi, S. paratyphi-A and B. Exclusions were all samples other than blood and blood samples negative for S. typhi and S. paratyphi-A and B during the same period. Multidrug resistance [MDR] of isolates was defined as the isolates showing resistance to all conventional anti-typhoid medicines i.e., Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin and Co-trimoxazole. Specimens [n=217] yielded 131 Salmonellae typhi [60.36%], 71 S. paratyphi-A [32.71%], and 15 S. paratyphi-B [6.9%]; these were sensitive to the Quinolones [Enoxacin: 94.96% [n=91], Ciprofloxacin, 96.47% [n=182], Ofloxacin: 95.74% [n=203]], and Cephalosporins [Cefixime: 96.62% [n=202], Cefotaxime: 99.17% [n=206], Ceftriaxone: 98.79% [n=208]]. Resistance to Amoxicillin was 96.48% [n=128] and 29.91% [n=78] to Co-trimoxazole. About 62.64% [n=136] of the isolates were MDR strains. Ciprofloxacin is currently a suitable empirical choice in presumed enteric fever cases, but culture and sensitivity analysis should be encouraged and results incorporated in prescription strategy. Increasing frequency of S. paratyphi-A isolates possibly suggests incomplete coverage employing monovalent vaccine