Isolation, Speciation and Determination of High Level Aminoglycoside Resistance of Enterococci Among Hospitalised Patients in Davangere

Abstract

Background: Enterococcus, considered a normal commensal of intestinal tract is one of the fast emerging pathogen causing serious and life threatening hospital borne infections. This is attributed to acquisition of multi-drug resistance. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to isolate and characterize Enterococci from clinical specimens and determine the anti-microbial susceptibility pattern of these isolates. Methods: A total of 58 Enterococcal isolates from various clinical samples were speciated as per the scheme of Facklam and Collins. Anti-bacterial susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method with recommended drugs including high level aminoglycoside resistance. MIC for Vancomycin and Gentamicin was determined by E – test method. Results: Of the total 58 Enterococcal isolates, 52 were E. faecalis and 6 E. faecium. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed high level resistance to penicillin, Ampicillin, Gentamicin and Streptomycin. All strains were sensitive to Vancomycin, Linezolid, Teicoplanin, E. faecium was more resistant than E. faecalis to the tested antibiotics. MIC for vancomycin was in range 1-4µg/ml. Conclusions: We conclude that Enterococcal strains with high rate of resistance to penicillin and aminoglycosides are prevalent in our nosocomial setting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more rational and restricted use of antimicrobials in order to minimize the selection and spread of such strains.

Keywords

• enterococci
• high level aminoglycoside resistance (hlar)
• mic