Clinico-Microbiological Profile and Drug Sensitivity Pattern among Pneumonia Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The true incidence of pneumonia acquired in the community is unknown, but this is a clinical problem worldwide especially in developing countries and remains a leading cause of death in India. Aim: To study the microbiological profile of patients with pneumonia and to study drug-sensitivity pattern. Methods: The present study was undertaken in department of Microbiology, NRI General Hospital, Chinakakani, Andhra Pradesh. For the study, 55 patients diagnosed with pneumonia were selected. In all studied patients-routine laboratory tests, sputum, tracheal aspirates & blood cultures were done. Results:Streptococcus pneumoniae was the commonest pathogen (18.97%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.24%), Pseudomonas (13.79%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.9%) and other Gram-negative bacilli. Pneumonia was predominant in males (69.09%) and elderly age group (70.90%). Majority of Gram-positive organisms were susceptible to Erythromycin and Vancomycin. Most of the Gram-negative bacilli were sensitive to Imipenem, Ciprofloxacin & Gentamicin. Conclusion: Microbiological profile of pneumonia varies geographically. There is a need to conduct regular prevalence and antibiogram studies to develop empirical guidelines for treatment of pneumonia in that particular region.