EMERGENCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT NFGNB AS AN IMPORTANT CAUSE OF INFECTIONS

Background: The non fermenter gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) are primarily opportunistic pathogens and have emerged as an important cause of health care associated infections. The Methods: non fermenter organisms were isolated from various clinical specimens in a microbiology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital and were identied by the conventional bacteriological identication methods. Susceptibility testing was performed by methods as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Results: A total of 10,456 clinical specimens were processed, of which 442 (4.23%) non fermenter spp. were isolated. Most common infection caused by non fermenters was abscess. Maximum numbers of isolate (52.94%) were of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (42.76%). Other species isolated were Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (1.81%), Pseudomonas putida (1.13%), Acinetobacter lwofi (0.68%), Pseudomonas stutzeri (0.45%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (0.23%). The isolation rate of non fermenters from ICU was much higher compared to general ward. High antibiotic resistance was noted for commonly used antibiotics like cephalosporins, quinolones, aminoglycosides. A total 58.60% of multi drug resistant (MDR) non fermenter isolates were obtained. The isolation rate of MDR isolates of non fermenters was more from ICU compared to general ward. Nosocomial infections res Interpretation and Conclusion: istant to most antimicrobials caused by non fermenter organisms have emerged, especially in ICU. Early identication and continued surveillance will help to prevent their spread in hospital environment.