Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of ESKAPE Pathogens Isolated from Blood Cultures in a Tertiary Care Hospital (Code-T0146)

Introduction: ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are significant contributors to hospital-acquired infections, exhibiting high resistance to multiple antibiotics. Understanding their antibiotic susceptibility profile is critical for guiding effective treatment strategies and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Aims and Objectives:

Aim: To see antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in ESKAPE pathogens isolated from blood culture samples.

Objectives:

1. To isolate and identify ESKAPE pathogens in blood culture samples by conventional and automated methods.

2. To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated ESKAPE pathogens by conventional and automated methods.

3. To compare the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolated ESKAPE pathogens.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on blood culture isolates identified as ESKAPE pathogens from patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed for resistance patterns and multidrug resistance (MDR) prevalence.

Results: A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates were studied, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent. High resistance was observed to commonly used antibiotics such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. MDR was noted in 62% of isolates, particularly in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Carbapenems and vancomycin demonstrated retained efficacy against most isolates, though emerging resistance was identified.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of MDR among ESKAPE pathogens highlights the need for stringent infection control measures and rational antibiotic use. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns is essential for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Keywords: ESKAPE pathogens, Antibiotic resistance, Blood culture, Multidrug resistance, Tertiary care hospital, Antimicrobial stewardship.