ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia until fulminant septic
shock with high mortality. Microorganisms present in circulating blood whether continuously,
intermittently, or transiently are a threat to every organ in the body. Culture of
blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help
in rationalizing therapy.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug
sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood stream infections.
DESIGN: Retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2015 to February 2017 at
a tertiary care hospital, Port Blair, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic
guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified using standard biochemical
tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby–Bauer’s disk
diffusion method. Data for the source of blood collection and duration of incubation
were noted and compared.
RESULTS: A total of 270 (14.24%) pathogens were isolated from 1895 bacteremia suspect patient
blood specimens. Contamination was observed at a rate of 1.63%. Gram-positive cocci
(60.37%) were predominant organisms recovered followed by Gram-negative Bacilli (36.29%)
and Yeasts (3.33%). Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, and Acinetobacter spp. were the primary
pathogens isolated. Aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and glycopeptides were the most
effective drugs for treating bacteremia.
CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial
therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity
patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies.
Keywords
Andaman and Nicobar Islands - antimicrobial sensitivity - blood culture - bloodstream
infection - empiric therapy