European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background information:
Pleural space is normally sterile but it gets colonized when fluid accumulates. Fluid accumulation occurs due to many causes of which infection is the most common cause. Pleural effusion when occurs in the setting of pneumonia increases the morbidity and mortality rates in patients if antibiotic therapy is delayed or improper. Identification of prevalent pathogenic organisms and their sensitivities is important in guiding antimicrobial therapy. The aim of the study was to determine the bacteriological profile and their sensitivity pattern.
Material and methods:
A total of 500 pleural fluid samples were processed. The isolates were identified by standard procedures and their antibiotic sensitivity determined.
Results:
12.8% of the samples had an identifiable etiology with gram negative bacteria as the predominant isolates. The organisms isolated were; Pseudomonas. aerugenosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Protues. Pseudomonas spp were the most common among gram negatibe bacteria. Imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactum, ciprofloxacin were most sensitive drugs.
Conclusion:
Continuous epidemiological monitoring and knowledge of sensitivity pattern of the organisms is a prerequisite in formulation of antibiotic policy which further helps in early and appropriate institution of the antibiotics and in controlling the antibiotic resistance