Abstract
Background: Carbapenems are the most effective and important therapeutic options to serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. However, Carbepenems resistant isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeroginosa are increasing worldwide. This study, therefore, was carried out to determine the resistance pattern of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli to Carbapenems.
Methods: Fifty (50) E. coli and forty seven (47) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were studied. Antibiotic Susceptibility test was performed as recommended by the CLSI. The antibiotics used were Ertapenem, Imipenem, Colistin Sulphate, Levofloxacin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam.
Results: Out of 97 clinical isolates subjected to drug susceptibilities test, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance to Ertapenem (87.2%); followed by Levofloxacin (19.1%), Colistin sulphate (12.8%), Piperacillin/tazobactan (4.3%) and Imipenem (2.1%) while E.coli displayed resistance to Ertapenem (30%), Levofloxacin (20%) and Colistin sulphate
(4%). Interestingly, E coli was susceptible to Imipenem (0%) and Piperacillin/tazobactan (0%). A significant effect of Ertapenem on Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recorded. Also a significant effect of Piperacillin/Tazobactam was recorded on E coli. No significant effect was recorded among the other antibiotics on P aeruginosa or E coli.
Conclusion: There is a high level of Carbapenems resistance among the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to Escherichia coli in this study. Considering the therapeutic value of Carbapenems as one of the last options for the treatment of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, rational Carbapenems usage is essential to reduce selective pressure over Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.
Keywords: Carbapenems, Antibiotics, Nosocomial, Susceptibility
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