Indian Journal of Microbiology Research

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases affecting humans worldwide. Pathogenic isolates of E.coli have relatively high potentials for developing resistance. Therefore, the treatment of E. coli infections is increasingly becoming difficult.

To isolate and identify the bacterial pathogens in sputum samples causing Respiratory tract infections and to know the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of E.coli in sputum samples.

Sputum samples were collected from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014 at VIMS Hospital, Ballari from the patients of suspected RTIs and processed for Gram's stain and biochemical reactions. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBL) detection performed as per CLSI guidelines.

A total of 1264 sputum samples were processed, out of which 756(59.8%) yielded growth. The bacteria isolated from the samples included Klebsiella spp 261(34.5%), Staphylococcus aureus 142(18.8%), Streptococcus pneumonia 121(16%), Streptococcus pyogenes 96(12.6%), Pseudomonas 85(11.2%), Escherichia coli 21(2.8%) Citrobacter spp 18(2.3%) and Enterococci 12(1.8%). E.coli showed significant resistance to Ampicillin (90.5%), Ciprofloxacin (81%), Amoxiclav (76.2%), Cefotaxime (71.4%) and Cotrimoxazole (66.7%). It was 100% sensitive to Imepenem followed by Amikacin (61.9%) and Gentamicin (57.1%). ESBL production was seen in 76.2% of E.coli isolated.

There is a need to develop antibiotic policy and this will provide valuable insight on resistance trends and encourage the prudent use of antibiotics, which is a major factor in controlling the emergence and spread of resistant strains.