CLINICOMICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY OF INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ACINETOBACTER SPECIES

Objectives: To study the rate of isolation of Acinetobacter species, its antibiogram and associated risk factors.Methods: Retrospective time bound study for 6 months. The study included 191 consecutive clinical significant isolates of Acinetobacter speciesisolated from various specimens. The identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing by modified Kirby Bauer and Vitek Compact system 2.Results: Maximum isolation of Acinetobacter species was from suction tip (31.94%), sputum (19.89%), urine (14.66%), blood (10.47%), and others.The species was most sensitive to colistin (97.87%) and polymyxin B (99.43%). The species was most resistant to imipenem (72.62%) and gentamicin(66.66%). The common risk factors were invasive procedure, duration of intensive care unit stay, and malignancies.Conclusion: Acinetobacter has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen. Antibiotic resistance is on rise. Proper antibiotic stewardship is requiredto curtail antibiotic resistance in this region.Keywords: Acinetobacter spp., Antibiotic resistance, Health care associated pathogenÂ