Original Research Article A Comparative Study of ICU And Non ICU Bacterial Blood Stream Infections with an emphasis on the role of Non Fermenters: Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas Species

Background: Emerging trends in non ICUs (Intensive care units) reveal an increase in morbidity and mortality directly proportional to risk factors, virulence capabilities and resistant antibiograms in contrast to the ICU settings. Aims & Objectives: To determine the bacterial blood pathogens isolated from adult ICUs and compare it with isolates from non ICU ( wards) settings in regard to antimicrobial resistance and analyze the role of carbapenems and colistin with special reference to non fermenters like Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species. Methods: A one year prospective cohort study of patients in adult ICUs and non ICUs. Positive bacterial Bactec blood cultures from patients admitted in both these settings and possible risk factors and antibiogram patterns were noted. Analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: The most significant bacterial blood isolates in both settings was Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species from non ICUs were predominant and demonstrated a higher degree of drug resistance in comparison with ICU strains. The major risk factors in the ICUs were intubations and mechanical ventilations and in non ICU settings were elderly patients with a history o