ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERN AMONG STAPHYLOCOCCAL SPECIES ISOLATED FROM TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Antimicrobial resistance, Multidrug resistance, Extensively drug-resistant bacteria, Antibiotic susceptibility, Tertiary care hospitals
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus species, including coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), is a growing global health threat, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, where misuse of antibiotics and poor infection control fuel resistance. These bacteria cause a wide range of infections, from skin conditions to life-threatening bloodstream infections, and their increasing resistance limits treatment options.
Objectives: To isolate and identify Staphylococcus species from clinical samples in tertiary care hospitals, determine their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and assess their pathogenic potential through multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profiles.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 clinical samples from two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi. Samples were cultured on blood agar, and Staphylococcus species were identified using Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, and DNase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar, following CLSI guidelines. MDR and XDR were defined using standard criteria, and data were analyzed with SPSS.
Results: Of 200 isolates, resistance was highest to erythromycin (71.5%), ciprofloxacin (66%), and fusidic acid (67.5%), with moderate resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (52%) and gentamicin (46%). Linezolid (98% sensitive) and vancomycin (94.5% sensitive) retained excellent activity. A significant proportion of isolates were MDR, with resistance more common in CoPS and in pus and urine samples.
Conclusion: Staphylococcus species in Karachi hospitals show alarming resistance to commonly used antibiotics, though last-resort drugs like linezolid and vancomycin remain effective. The high prevalence of MDR strains highlights the need for routine susceptibility testing, rational antibiotic use, and stronger infection control and stewardship programs.
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Sumayya Anas
Research Associate, Dept of Biosciences szabist University / Assistant professor ,Altibri medical college
Karachi pakistan
Hassan Bin Asif
Assistant professor ,Department of Biochemistry, Al-Tibri medical college, Isra university Karachi campus.
Saiqa Tabassum
Associate Professor , Department of Biosciences ,Faculty of Life Sciences ,SZABIST University ,Karachi ,Pakistan
Rakhshinda younus
Assistant professor, Department of pathology,Hamdard college of medicine and dentistry, hamdard university
Aneela Qureshi
Professor ,Pathology department ,Altibri medical college, Isra university Karachi campus.
Abdul Latif Mahesar
Professor ,Pharmacology department ,Altibri medical college, Isra university Karachi campus
