PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT CLINICAL SAMPLES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: The present study was carried out to determine the species of Enterococci isolated from various clinical samples and to determine its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Enterococci have emerged as an important cause of nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance among Enterococcus is a major obstacle for treatment.

Material and methods: Enterococcus spp. were isolated and identified from different clinical samples between Sept. 2012 to Aug. 2013 by standard biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by modified Kirby bauers disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines.

Result: Among the 100 isolates of Enterococcus from various clinical samples maximum isolates were from urine sample 70% and E. faecalis 92% constituted the predominant isolate. They were found to be susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin with least sensitive to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline.

Conclusion: Routine speciation and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Enterococcus in various clinical samples is emphasized due to the prevalence of wide variety of Enterococcus species and also appearance of high resistant strains.