Antibiotic Profile of K. Pneumoniae Isolated from Endotracheal Aspirate in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background & Aim: To identify local trends in antibiotic resistance, this study looks at the antibiotic resistance profile of K. pneumoniae isolates from endotracheal aspirates. Materials & methods: 7-month observational research at Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Rourkela, involved 196 samples from ICU patients suspected of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Out of these, 132 were positive. The majority (46.96%) were K. pneumoniae, with a female and male gender distribution. Samples were processed using standard techniques. Identification was done using biochemical assays and automated techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and VITEK-2. The study examined various antibiotics, including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Results: Out of the 196 tested endotracheal aspirate samples, 132 (48%) were positive for K. pneumoniae, constituting about 62 (46.96%) of the total. Other organisms comprised 41 (31.06%), and others comprised 29 (21.96%). Most patients were male (58.06%), with an average age of 55 years. Patients with prolonged ICU stays (>10 days) accounted for most isolates. 10 (16.39%) were sensitive to gentamicin (n=61), and 12 (19.3%) were sensitive to amikacin (n=62). Conclusion: According to the study, K. pneumoniae in endotracheal aspirates from intensive care unit patients is growing more resistant to antibiotics. This suggests that urgent action is required, including prudent antibiotic usage, strong infection control, and ongoing resistance monitoring.