Cancer patients in intensive care unit (ICU) are vulnerable for developing multidrug resistant nosocomial infections. The antimicrobial resistance due to inappropriate use of antibiotics results in significant morbidity and mortality in these cancer patients. The present retrospective study was done to describe the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of common organisms in isolates of clinical samples of patients admitted in ICU at our tertiary care cancer center.

Materials and methods

The study was carried out at ICU of a regional tertiary care cancer center for a period of 1 year from October 2016 to September 2017. All clinical samples were collected and processed for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing were carried out on isolates as per Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.

Results

A total of 644 specimens were collected. Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. were most commonly encountered. In positive bacterial cultures, majority were Gram-negative isolates (84.14%). Klebsiella was the most common gram-negative isolate (34.78%) and Enterococcus spp. were the most common Gram-positive isolates (61.53%). A high level of resistance to various antibiotics was noted among Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive isolates. Majority of the Gram-negative isolates were sensitive to Imipenem, Meropenem, and Colistin sensitivity among Gram-negative isolates was 100%. Linezolid, Teicoplanin and Vancomycin were most sensitive antimicrobials against the Gram-positive bacteria.

Conclusion

Regular monitoring of the pattern of resistance of bacteriological isolates in cancer patients is critical to develop antibiotic policy to combat these infections and reduce morbidity and mortality.