Prevalence of Gram-negative Septicemia in a Tertiary Care Center

Increased mortality due to sepsis and bacteremia impacts health-care activities severely. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics empirically may lead to failure of treatment. Toxic effects of non-susceptible drugs can be harmful for the patients and lead

Effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole vs. norfloxacin on fecal E. coli resistance pattern and efficacy in patients receiving prophylaxis for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Background: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of ascitic fluid. It is highly mortal and recurrent condition, so prophylaxis with Norfloxacin (NOR) or Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) seems to play an important role in the prevention of further episodes of SBP. Aims of the study were to assess the effect of TMP-SMX/NOR on the sensitivity pattern of fecal E. coli after long term prophylaxis in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) and to compare the efficacy of TMP-SMX and NOR in prophylaxis of SBP.Methods: An interventional, prospective, open label, single center study conducted in Maulana Azad medical college, New Delhi, India. 52 patients of SBP or with high risk of SBP were screened and finally 39 patients were recruited. Stool sensitivity testing of fecal E. coli was done and they were divided into TMP-SMX group(n=18) and NOR group(n=21) according to sensitivity. After 45±3 days (7 weeks) their stool sample was re-examined for change sensitivity pattern of E. coli. Efficacy variables like any episode of SBP, fever (FEV) resolution of ascites (ASC), bacteremia (BACT), extraperitoneal infection (EPI), liver transplantation (LT) or death (D) were noted throughout the period of 24 weeks.Results: Resistance developed in 60% vs. 48% in TMP-SMX vs. NOR group(p=0.46) after 45 days of prophylaxis. By the end of 24 weeks, Incidence of SBP (29%vs. 25%, p>0.99), episodes of FEV(P=0.60), EPI(p>0.99), ASC(p>0.99) and death (14% vs. 16%, p>0.99) were almost similar in both the groups (TMP-SMX vs. NOR) respectively.Conclusions: Both TMP-SMX and NOR showed same degree of resistance and found equi-efficacious when administered as long-term prophylactic therapy in SBP. TMP-SMX can be a suitable as well as cost effective alternative to NOR for the prophylaxis of SBP.

Evaluation Of Charlson’s Co-Morbidity Index And Risk Factors Among Patients With And Without Extended Spectrum Β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae Spp. Urinary Isolates In A Super-Specialty Hospital.

Background & Objectives: Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing members of the family Enterobacteriaceae are emerging worldwide The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors, co-morbidity status and short term mortality rates among hospitalized patients with and without ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae spp. urinary isolates. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a super-specialty hospital from December 2014 to July 2015. Urine samples from 100 patients which repeatedly yielded significant colony counts of Enterobacteriaceae spp. isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of these isolates was carried out by modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines 2014. Isolates which were resistant to cefotaxime and/or ceftazidime were tested for the production of ESBL by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test. Relevant clinico-epidemiological details of these patients were subsequently obtained from Medical records as per the proforma formulated. The original version of the Charlson Index (CI) was used to assess co-morbidity and short term mortality rates. Results & Interpretation: Escherichia coli followed by Klebsiella pneumonia were the predominant isolates. 40 isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers. All isolates had Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index of >0.2. The p-value of difference in proportion of all the risk factors distributed among patients with and without ESBL producing urinary Enterobacteriaceae spp. isolates respectively was found to be >0.05. The p-value of difference in mean Charlson index scores between these two groups of patients was 0.45. Conclusions: The results obtained in our study are largely inconclusive. It is imperative that more number of multicentre studies should be conducted in order to generate conclusive evidence on this subject. [Mohit B NJIRM 2016; 7(5):40-45]

Impact Of Training On Knowledge And Practices Of Nurses Regarding Hospital Infection Control In A Tertiary Care Centre.

Background and objective:Nurses provide the first-hand bedside care to the patients in a hospital thus have a direct role in hospital infection control. Thus to improve hygiene behaviour of staff, training sessions on hospital infection control is necessary. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of training on knowledge and practices regarding hospital infection control amongst nursing staff working in tertiary care centre. Method: The study included 89 nurses from different wards and I.C.U. A pre-test and a post-test was conducted with a set of 20 self designed multiple choice questions in three days session of training covering important aspects of hospital infection control. Improvement in pre-test and post test for individual candidate was assessed and statistical data analysis was done. Results: Response rate of the questionnare was 100%.The mean pre-test score was 9(S.D 3.06) while mean post-test score was 14(S.D 6.34). The difference in pre-test and post-test was statistically significant(P< 0.00001) taking 95% confidence interval. Interpretation and conclusion: Training sessions and workshops for healthcare workers conducted regularly will help curbing nosocomial infections and providing a better patient care.

Bacteriological Profile Of Nosocomial Pneumonia Patients In A Superspeciality Hospital.

Background: To ascertain the bacteriological profile of patients with nosocomial pneumonia in endotracheal cultures and correlation with blood cultures. Methodology: 559 endotracheal aspirates were collected using mucous traps from 180 patients of suspected nosocomial pneumonia patients over 2 years. The samples were processed and a colony count of 104cfu/ml was taken as the cut-off to differentiate between pathogens and colonizers. Identification and sensitivity of bacterial isolates was done with the help of Vitek 2. Blood for culture was processed as per standard techniques. Results & Conclusion: Klebsiella sp.(33%) was the commonest bacteria isolated, followed by Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. 25% of Acinetobacter spp. and 40% of Pseudomonas spp were pandrug resistant. Mostly non-fermenters were sensitive to Tigecycline and Colistin. Enterobacteriaceae showed highest resistance for Cephalosporins and Cotrimoxazole but were mostly sensitive to Tigecycline. Staphylococcus aureus was uniformly sensitive to Linezolid and Teicoplanin. Blood cultures were positive in 52 (9.3%) patients of which pulmonary origin bacteremia was present in 33 patients while non-pulmonary origin bacteremia was present in 19 patients. The pulmonary care bundle along with rational use of antibiotics will go a long way to improve treatment outcome, patient morbidity and mortality.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: An Occult Disease Waiting To Be Explored- Case Report And Review Of Literature.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a slowly progressive disease caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus. This condition is most commonly seen in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. ABPA mimics a wide range of diseases, thereby further accentuating the difficulties faced by medical practitioners in diagnosing this condition. Even today, this condition remains under diagnosed in many countries with reports of mean diagnostic latency of ten years between the occurrence of symptoms and the diagnosis. We present a case report and review of literature with the aim of highlighting the complicated nature of this enigmatic illness.

Post-operative sinus formation due to Mycobacterium abscessus: A case report.

Summary: Mycobacterium abscessus is ubiquitously found rapidly growing mycobacteria. Although it is an uncommon pathogen, it has been known to cause cutaneous infection following inoculation, minor trauma or surgery. This communication reports an immuno-competent patient developing multiple sinuses due to Mycobacterium abscessus in the post- operative period.

Candiduria in catheterized intensive care unit patients : Emerging microbiological trends.

Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) as a result of Candida spp. is becoming increasingly common in hospitalized setting. Clinicians face dilemma in differentiating colonization from true infection and whether to treat candiduria or not. The objective of the present study was to look into the significance of candiduria in catheterized patients admitted in the ICUs and perform microbiological characterization of yeasts to guide treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive isolates of Candida spp. from the urine sample of 70 catheterized patients admitted in the ICU were collected and stocked for further characterization. A proforma was maintained containing demographic and clinical details. Blood cultures were obtained from all these 70 patients and processed. Species identification of yeasts was done on VITEK. Results: Candiduria was more common at extremes of age. The mean duration of catheter days was 11.1 ± 6 days. Other associated risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and antibiotic usage were seen in 38% and 100% of our study group. Concomitant candidemia was seen in 4.3% of cases. Non-albicans Candida spp. (71.4%) emerged as the predominant pathogen causing nosocomial UTI. Conclusion: The present study reiterates the presence of candiduria in catheterized patients, especially in the presence of diabetes and antibiotic usage. Non-albicans Candida spp. are replacing Candida albicans as the predominant pathogen for nosocomial UTI. Hence, we believe that surveillance for nosocomial candiduria should be carried out in hospitalized patients.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis in post neurosurgical patients

Background and Objective: Pseudomonas meningitis is a rare complication following neurosurgical procedures and is associated with high mortality and mortality. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality in patients who developed nosocomial Pseudomonas meningitis following neurosurgical procedure. Methods: All patients with nosocomial post-surgical meningitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa diagnosed in the year were reviewed retrospectively. Results: During the period of the study, 121 cases of post surgical meningitis were diagnosed. Ten (9.9%) nosocomial Pseudomonas meningitis were identifi ed. Eight patients had external ventricular drain. The antibiotic susceptibility of 10 strains was: imipenem (9/10), meropenem (7/10), amikacin (7/10), piperacillin / tazobactum (5/10), ceftrizxone (4/10), cefepime (3/10). The overall mortality was high at 80%, despite most receiving appropriate antibiotics. Conclusion: Postoperative Pseudomonas meningitis is associated with high mortality.

Cryptococcal granulomas in an immunocompromised HIV-negative patient.

Disseminated cryptococcosis usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals with defective cell-mediated immunity, most commonly seen with HIV infection. We present a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative male patient who presented with headache, fever, altered sensorium of short duration and multiple cutaneous lesions. An emergency CT scan of the head showed multiple intracranial and intraventricular granulomas. Routine laboratory investigations were within the normal range. A CSF examination revealed capsulated yeasts on India ink and a culture yielded cryptococcus neoformans. A cryptococcal antigen test by latex agglutination kit was positive. A biopsy revealed multiple capsulated yeasts cells in the cutaneous lesions, which were consistent with cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was successfully treated with Amphotericin B and Fluconazole with regression of cranial and cutaneous lesions.