Microorganisms and Antibiotic Sensitivities Isolated from Deep Tracheal Aspirate Samples of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit of a Private Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation of distribution of microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance rates isolated from deep tracheal aspirate (DTA) samples of patients under mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) of our hospital. Materials and Methods: DTA culture results of ICU patients were retrospectively evaluated during one-year period between January 2019 and January 2020. Bacteria isolated from cultures of DTA samples were identified by conventional methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. Results : In one-year period, 288 DTA samples were accepted to the laboratory and 140 of these samples were culture-positive. Most prevalent isolates were, Acinetobacter baumannii (45%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.4%), Enterobacter spp. (6.4%), Escherichia coli (2.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%). Resistance rates to carbapenem were 87.3% in A. baumannii, 65.2% in K. pneumoniae and 40% in P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance, which is detected at high rates in A.baumannii and K. pneumoniae strains, causes treatment difficulties. Each center should determine its own microorganism distribution and resistance status and arrange treatment protocols. Continuous and close follow-up of resistant infections, taking infection control measures quickly, and training of healthcare workers are important.