RESUMO
Because of the prevailing penicillin resistance in microorganisms, broad spectrum cephalosporins are used empirically specially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to determine the susceptibility pattern of different gram positive and gram negative pathogens against third generation cephalosporin-ceftriaxone to explore the existing effectiveness of this antibiotic. 180 clinical isolates of different gram positive and gram negative pathogens including P.mirabilis, S. typhi P.aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and Klebsiella were collected from blood and urine samples of in-patients. 30 isolates of all species were tested against each of six brands of ceftriaxone using in vitro sensitivity tests by disc diffusion method [NCCLS criteria]. The susceptibility limit was >/= 21 mm zone of inhibition, while moderately susceptible was considered at 20-14 mm, and those isolates which showed>13 mm or no zone of inhibition were resistant to this antibacterial drug. Ceftriaxone was found most effective against S. aureus. While 96.1% of the isolates showed susceptibility towards ceftriaxone, followed by E. coli [95%], P. aeruginosa [92.7%], K. pneumonia [89.4%] and S. typhi [87.2%]. P. mirabilis showed lowest susceptibility amongst all the test organisms [83.8%]. Ceftriaxone can be used as a drug of choice in infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli, P. aurigenosa, K. pneumonia and S. typhi. However, it should be used with other antimicrobial agents in order to increase its effectiveness against P. mirabilis