An Analysis of Data of Enterococci Species and Its Antibiogram at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karnataka

Background: Enterococci were previously thought to be less virulent in healthy people, but they have recently emerged as important opportunistic pathogens, particularly in hospitalized patients, due to their ability to colonize the gastrointestinal tract for long periods, which is a key factor in the development of drug resistance and has become a major treatment roadblock.

Objectives: To determine the species of Enterococci isolated from different clinical samples. 2. To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Enterococci species.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a private tertiary care hospital in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, using secondary data of Enterococcal species isolated from various clinical samples such as urine, blood, pus, sputum, and sterile body fluids that were maintained in the Microbiology laboratory registers for a period of one year from January 2014 to December 2014.

Results: Out of 66 enterococcal isolates from various clinical samples majority i.e. 32 (48.48%) were found in urine, followed by pus 22 (33.33%). The majority of Enterococcus was seen in females 34 (51.51%). Enterococcus faecalis was the most common isolate, accounting for 56 (84.84%) of the total. Sensitivity to Linezolid and Vancomycin was found in all of the isolates. Maximum resistance was seen against Penicillin i.e. 26 (76.47%).

Conclusion: Given the general trend of rising drug resistance and the occurrence of a wide range of Enterococcus species, ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in enterococci is required to propose suitable therapy.