Abstract

Introduction: Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) can cause serious healthcare associated infections and are frequently resistant to multiple antibiotics. Identification of NFGNB and detecting their susceptibility pattern are important for proper management of infections caused by them. Material & Methods: A prospective study of 252 isolates of non-fermenters from various clinical specimens received in the Department of Microbiology was done over a period of two years (July 2004 to July 2006). Non-fermenters were identified by using a standard protocol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Among the 252 isolates, the majority of the non-fermenters were isolated from pus 124(49.20%), followed by sputum 50(19.84%), urine 32(12.69%), bronchial aspirate 23(9.12%), Pleural fluid 10(3.96%), Blood culture 3(1.19%), CSF 2(0.79%), the rest of the isolates were from other clinical specimens as indicated 8(3.17%). Out of 252 isolates, the most common isolates were from the genus Pseudomonas (210), among them predominant species being Pseudomonas aeruginosa(200), were isolated followed by P.stutzeri(08) and P.putida(02). From the genus Acinetobacter(41), among them A.baumanii(35) and A.lwoffii(06). Only one isolate was Stenotrophomonas maltophila(01). A high level of antibiotic resistance was recorded for most of the first and second line drugs. Imipenem, Piperacillin and Amikacin were the drugs with maximum activity. Conclusion: Non fermenter gram negative bacilli though regarded as contaminants are important bacteria causing wide range of nosocomial infections. Irrational use of powerful antibiotics for prolonged periods added to the compromised host conditions might be responsible for multi-drug resistance (MDR). Improved antibiotic usage and infection control measures will be needed to prevent or slow the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant NFGNB in the healthcare setting.

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