RESUMEN
Infection in neonatal intensive care unit [NICUs] causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The microbial profile and antibiotic sensitivity are important contributing factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of various invasive pathogens in an NICU and to describe the antibiotic resistance patterns in Gram-negative rods isolated from NICU. Data from the microbiology laboratory at Salmaniya Medical Complex from January 2002 till December 2007 were reviewed pertaining to organisms isolated, type of samples, and antibiotic resistance pattern of Gram-negative rods [GNRs]. Data were grouped into Group 1 [2002-2004] data and Group 2 [2005-2007] data. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to percentage of positive culture 17.3% Group 1 and 18.6% Group 2. There was a significant increase of multi-drug resistant [MDR], Acinetobacter beurmanni and extended spectrum beta lactamase [ESBL] producing organisms. Resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins was alarmingly high. Our study documented increase of resistant organisms and high resistance tocephalosporin. The use of ampicillin and gentamycin as empirical therapy should be reviewed. Further surveillance studies are needed to monitor both organisms and antibiotic resistance