World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON ANTIBIOGRAM AND ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION PATTERN AT A TERITIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WARANGAL

Peram Vaishnavi*, Indrala Navya Sri, K. Vishalakshi and Dr. Nadeem Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge, driven largely by antibiotic misuse, leading to higher resistance rates, adverse effects, and increased healthcare costs. This retrospective-prospective observational study, conducted over six months in 2022 at a tertiary care hospital in Warangal, evaluated antibiotic prescription patterns, antibiograms, and contributing factors to AMR. Data from 201 patients, including demographics, infection types, and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns, were analysed. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae among Gram-positive bacteria. Urine samples constituted the most frequent source of isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing identified amikacin, tigecycline, and cefepime as the most effective agents for E. coli, though multidrug resistance was prevalent. Alarmingly, 62% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates exhibited carbapenem resistance, while 48% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance. Resistance to last-resort antibiotics like colistin was observed in 15% of isolates, highlighting the gravity of the issue. The study also revealed deviations from standard Antibiotic Stewardship Policy (ASP) guidelines, with 45% of prescriptions issued without microbiological confirmation. Contributing factors included overprescription, agricultural misuse, and inadequate infection control measures, especially in resource-limited settings. These findings emphasize the critical need for adherence to ASP guidelines, robust surveillance systems, and targeted interventions to mitigate AMR. A multi-sectoral approach, including public awareness campaigns and the development of innovative diagnostics, is essential to preserve antibiotic efficacy and ensure effective infection management.

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