PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF BACTERIA CAUSING LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN THE GERIATRIC GROUP

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infections accounts for 3% -5% of mortality in adults, especially in the geriatric age group. Aim: To know the prevalence of various microorganisms causing LRTI in geriatric patients, studying their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and to determine the various risk factors in this age group. Materials & methods: Sputum samples were collected from 50 geriatric patients. Other Co-morbid conditions were evaluated. Isolated pathogens were tested for antibiotic sensitivity pattern by standard microbiological methods. Results: Among 50 patients, 9(18%) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), 7(14%) of them had Pulmonary tuberculosis, 7(14%) Bronchial Asthma, and the remaining 27(54%) with other lower respiratory tract infections. 41(82%) samples were culture positive. Organisms like Klebsiella pneumoniae (20), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10), Candida spp (3) E. coli (2), Staphylococcus aureus (4), Acinetobacter (1), Enterococcus (1), were grown. Conclusion: The prevalence of multi drug resistant bacteria causing lower respiratory tract infection is increasing, now-a-days. Changing lifestyle patterns like avoiding of smoking, glycemic control in diabetics, avoiding sedentary lifestyle with adequate physical activity and appropriate diet would improve the immune status of the geriatric patients and thereby reduces all possible infections in this age group. Knowing the sensitivity pattern of isolated pathogens and then treating the patients will reduce the incidence of drug resistant microorganisms as well.