Pattern of Infection in Patient Admitted in Respiratory High Dependency Unit at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory infections remain a leading cause of morbidity in hospital settings, particularly in respiratory high-dependency care units (RHDCUs). Patients admitted to RHDCUs are highly vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections due to weakened immune systems and co-existing respiratory conditions. This study focuses on identifying infection patterns and antibiotic resistance in RHDCUs.
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the pattern of infections in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital’s RHDCU and assess the antibiotic sensitivity of isolated organisms.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 180 patients admitted to the RHDCU with respiratory symptoms indicative of infection. Biological samples, including sputum and blood, were analyzed for bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial culture, gram staining, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were obtained. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and infection profiles were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Of the 180 patients, Bacterial cultures showed 35.6% of samples to be sterile. Among the rest, the most common organisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (12.2%), and Escherichia coli (10%). Gram-negative bacilli were present in 64.4% of cases. Antibiotic sensitivity results revealed high resistance to ceftazidime (39.4%) and doxycycline (36.1%), while gentamicin showed the lowest resistance (22.2%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the prevalence of gram-negative bacterial infections in RHDCUs, with P. aeruginosa being the most frequent pathogen. The large-scale antibiotic resistance observed emphasizes the need for tailored antimicrobial therapy and stringent infection control practices to improve patient outcomes.