Magnitude of ESKAPE Pathogens and Their Antimicrobial Resistance in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among healthcare-associated pathogens poses a critical global threat, with the ESKAPE group of organisms( Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) being major contributors. Despite extensive global data, limited comparative studies across different wards is available. This study identifies this gap by observing the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of ESKAPE pathogens from the varied clinical samples collected from the critical and non-critical wards in the hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over six months in the Department of Microbiology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Out of 2736 samples processed in the Microbiology department, 375 clinically significant ESKAPE pathogens from adult ICU, NICU, PICU, and adult non-ICU wards were analysed.

Results: Incidence of ESKAPE pathogens are about 14%, among them Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolate, predominantly from non-ICU sputum and urine samples, showing high sensitivity to gentamicin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was frequent in ICU samples especially sputum samples, demonstrating high resistance to first line drugs and Pseudomonas isolated from non-ICU wards showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin. Acinetobacter baumannii predominated in PICU and NICU. Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus isolates exhibited highest sensitivity to vancomycin.

Conclusion: The study highlights the incidence of ESKAPE pathogens and their antibiogram. Ward-specific antibiograms are essential to optimize empirical therapy, reduce treatment failures, and improve patient outcomes. Regular surveillance and updated antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial to combat evolving resistance trends.