Antibiotic Resistance and Susceptibility Profile, with Biofilm Forming Potential Of Clinically Isolated Enterococcus Specie from Blood and Urine Samples

Abstract

Enterococcus spp. is Gram-positive cocci bacteria among the normal flora in human intestine. Common species are Enterococcus fecalis and Enterococcus faecium. They work as probiotics and help in digestion and immune system modulation. Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens and can cause nosocomial infections. Biofilm is one of the factors that facilitate the antibiotic resistance, which is complex EPS (exopolysaccharides) structure surrounding microbial cells, making them resistant from antimicrobial treatments. Due to acquisition of different virulence factors and resistance from antibiotics, infections of Enterococcus spp., have increased. In this study antibiotic resistance and sensitivity profile with their ability to form biofilm, has been determined. Human blood and urine samples were taken from Memon Medical Hospital Karachi. Culture and sensitivity test was performed for the major groups of antibiotics used for treating enterococcal infections with analysis of biofilm formation. Highest resistance was observed against the antibiotic levofloxacin 90% and all organisms were sensitive from linezolid 100%. Overall organisms were resistance from one and more antibiotics. All organisms were able to form biofilms as well. Antibiotic resistance has become an alarming challenge for the health care globally. Enterococcal resistance from major groups of antibiotics for their treatment has increased the rate of nosocomial infections.

Keywords

• Key Words: Enterococcus Spp., Antibiotic resistance, Biofilm formation, Gram-positive Cocci, BSI, UTI