Disk diffusion antimicrobial assays of agents used in respiratory tract infections in intubated patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Kenyatta National Hospital from November to December 1990
Nzomo, M.M.; Mutere, A.N.; Kabiru, P.; Akunda, L.
East African Medical Journal 69(3): 130-134
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 1505400 Document Number: 403896
Sensitivity patterns of bacterial isolates from respiratory tract infections to benzylpenicillin, gentamicin and ceftazidime were studied. In a period covering 8 weeks from November to December 1990, tracheal aspirates from a total of 22 intubated patients aged 6-54 years were taken. The duration of stay of patients in the unit by the time of specimens collection ranged from 2-92 days. Respiratory tract infections by pathogenic organisms set in earliest on day 4. Elevated temperature (equal to or greater than 38 degree C) and/or purulence in sputum were used as diagnostic indicators of respiratory tract infections. A total of 12 pathogenic organisms were obtained: Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. None of the 12 pathogens isolated was sensitive to benzylpenicillin; 50% of organisms were sensitive to gentamicin and all were sensitive to ceftazidime.