Authors : Phani K. Reddy, Aruna Talatam, D. Pragati Rao, S. Vineela, K. Yamuna
DOI : 10.18231/2581-4222.2018.0027
Volume : 3
Issue : 3
Year : 0
Page No : 98-102
Introduction: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) influence the quality of life and account for considerable morbidity and mortality. Several factors contribute to the etiology of COPD exacerbations, of which infectious process poses a major risk. Knowledge about local bacteriological profile in COPD patients would help in better selection of antibiotic for empirical therapy thereby reducing emergence of drug resistance.
Aim and Objectives: To determine the bacteriological profile of acute exacerbations of COPD patients admitted at NRI Medical College, Guntur.
Material and Methods: All patients admitted into the hospital from January 2017 to January 2018 diagnosed to have an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in the study. Sputum samples were collected prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy and were sent for bacteriological culture and drug sensitivity. Obtained results were analysed. The procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national).
Results: The study included 128 patients of whom sputum smear was positive for growth in 96 (75%) patients. Most common organism grown was Klebsiella pneumoniae (31%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), Candida species (13%), Escherichia coli (9%). Other organisms isolated from culture were Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, Citrobacter, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter, Micrococci and Enterococcus species. Simple gram’s stain identified organisms in 60% of patients. Drug sensitivity patterns revealed most of the gram positive and gram negative organisms (92%) were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactum, cefoperazone- sulbactum combinations.
Conclusion: The microbiology of acute exacerbations of COPD varies from region to region. Studies at regular intervals would assist in identifying the causative organisms thereby allowing formulating a cost effective antibiotic strategy. Antibiotic choice based on local bacteriological growth and resistance pattern reduces the emergence of drug resistance.
Keyword: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Gram positive and gram negative bacteria; Antibiotic.