Antibacterial Susceptibility Pattern of Uropathogenic Enterobacter Species from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Enterobacter species have been increased now a days. Emergence of antibiotic-resistance of these microorganisms are complicating the treatment. Since resistance rates differ from place to place, knowledge on prevailing patterns of antimicrobial resistance becomes essential. Aim and Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Enterobacter species, an opportunistic pathogen isolated from patients with urinary tract infection at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: Sixty eight strains of Enterobacter species were isolated from the culture media. Identification of the isolates was done using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) and antibacterial susceptibility testing was done using Vitex automated system. Results: We observed that, males were the most predominantly affected gender groups (57%) compared to that of females (43%). Out of 68 strains, Enterobacter cloacae (53) were identified as the most prevalent organisms followed by Enterobacter aerogenes (15). About 79% of Enterobacter species were found to be resistant to cefuroxime and 84% of the strains were found to be showing resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. One multidrug resistant strain susceptible to antibiotic colistin, was also identified. Conclusion: From our study, we can conclude that emergence of this unusually rare organism as uropathogen, which is resistant to commonly available antibiotics is alarming. Prompt starting of empirical antimicrobials based on susceptibility pattern is required to significantly reduce the mortality rate caused by these strains