Bacteriological and mycological profile of non-tuberculous lower respiratory tract infections in patients attending a tertiary care centre in eastern Bihar:  A prospective observational study.

Kahkashan  Akhter; Sangeeta  Dey; Fasihuzzaman; Priyanka  Paul; Aninda  Sen

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2143

Authors

Kahkashan Akhter Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India
Sangeeta Dey Professor and HOD, Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India
Fasihuzzaman Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India
Priyanka Paul Professor, Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India
Aninda Sen Professor, Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2143

Keywords:

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection, Bartlett scoring, multidrug resistant, antimicrobial stewardship

Abstract

Introduction

Acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a common clinical illness encountered both in community and hospital settings. Worldwide, lower respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of death. Apart from tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis are the important LRTIs. This prospective hospital-based study was undertaken to identify the microbiological profile and antibiogram of LRTI patients attending our institution.

Aim

To determine the bacteriological and mycological profile of suspected cases of LRTI attending a tertiary care center in Eastern Bihar

Materials and methods

This study was carried out over a period of 3 years. A total of 2107 sputum samples were received in the Microbiology laboratory in Katihar Medical College, Katihar, from July 2022 to June 2025. After doing Bartlett scoring, 1665 samples were processed and included in the study. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolates were done using automated methods (VITEK 2) for bacteria and yeasts. LPCB preparation was used for the identification of molds.

Results

Out of the 1665 sputum samples processed, 487 showed the growth of pathogenic organisms. 290 bacterial species, 148 yeasts, and 32 molds were isolated. 17 samples showed mixed growth. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The Maximum patients (43.15%) were aged 61–80 years, followed by 41–60 years (29.46%). The majority were inpatients from the Department of General Medicine (62.65%).

Conclusion

Gram-negative bacilli were identified as the leading cause of LRTI, followed by yeasts and molds. Many of the isolates were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR).

Recommendation

The increasing rate of isolation of yeasts and molds and the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance a matter of grave concern for one and all. Strict implementation of antimicrobial stewardship is the need of the hour.

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