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“PREVALENCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE CHENNAI”
Authors: Dr.Udhayakumar Selvam, Dr.Sivaharivelan Thiagarajan, Dr.Balakumar M, Dr.Asha Balaraman, Dr.Ananthi B
DOI: 10.18231/j.ijmmtd.12175.1761392754
Keywords: Pseudomonas, Multidrug resistance, Clinical samples.
Abstract: Abstract Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections. Its ability to resist multiple antibiotics through intrinsic and acquired mechanisms poses a serious threat to treatment outcomes, especially in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analyze its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (February 2021 – July 2021) at ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. A total of 98 P. aeruginosa isolates from various clinical samples were identified using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and analyzed. Results: The highest number of isolates was obtained from patients aged 41–60 years (51%) and from males (58.2%). The most common specimens were pus (33.7%) and wound swabs (26.5%). The majority of isolates were from surgery wards (41.8%). Resistance was highest to aztreonam (54.1%) and lowest to meropenem (16.3%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 52% of isolates. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, with notable resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including carbapenems. These findings underscore the urgent need for strict antimicrobial stewardship, infection control measures, and regular surveillance to curb the spread of MDR strains in hospital settings.