In Vitro Sensitivity Patterns of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa to Carbenicillin, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin

Abstract

This study was carried out in Khartoum Teaching Hospital (KTH) during the period from November 2008 to March 2009. The main aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens against gentamicin, carbenicillin and ciprofloxacin. 50 isolates of Ps. aeruginosa were recovered from wound, urine and ears at the rates of 21 (42%), 23 (46%) and 6 (12%) respectively, indicated that the wounds were common sites for pseudomonal infections. These isolates were subjected to in vitro sensitivity testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. The age of patients examined were subdivided into five age groups. Carbenicillin was shown to be the most effective drug (80% sensitivity), while gentamicin was the least effective agent (34% resistance), followed by ciprofloxacin (28% resistance). However, while 6% of the Ps. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to all antimicrobial drug used in this study (multi-drug resistance), all Ps. aeruginosa isolates from wound infections were shown to be 100% susceptible to carbenicillin. The age group 16-30 years (30%) was found to be more exposed group to pseudomonal infections, while age group 41-60 years (8%) was found to be the less exposed one. In conclusion, while most of the Ps. aeruginosa isolates were from wound infections, carbenicillin was show to be the drug of choice. The results of sensitivity testing of Pseudomonas clinical isolates indicate that multi-drug resistance is a major clinical problem that needs further in-depth study to be resolved.