Title : Pattern of microbial isolates in eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a tertiary care hospital
Abstract:
Introduction: To the best of our knowledge there is no published material on EENT HAIs in a PICU. HAIs in PICU represent a significant clinical and managerial challenge. The main objectives of our study were to investigate the pattern of microbial isolates in EENT HAIs in PICU cases of a tertiary care hospital and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at PICU of Kalawati Saran Children Hospital and Department of Microbiology, LHMC, New Delhi between May 2023 to October 2024. Microbes were identified by standard microbiological procedures including MALDI TOF MS. AST was performed by VITEK 2 automated system and results were interpreted as per the standard CLSI guidelines
Results: The present study was based on one hundred twenty-five patients, who were admitted in PICU of Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, New Delhi. Eleven cases were categorized as EENT HAIs. Seven cases of throat EENT HAIs were detected, three cases of ear EENT HAIs (Image 1), whereas no eye EENT HAI case was detected. The infection rate of EENT HAIs was found to be 8.8 many cases per 100 admissions. The incidence density was of 72 days per 1000 patient days. Two MDRO were isolated; namely Acinetobacter baumannii having colistin resistance and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion: Significant infant age group patients developed EENT HAIs. Majority of these were throat EENT HAIs. To reduce the current EENT HAIs rate in the PICU, the study findings need to be incorporated in the treatment and bed side care of the patients.
