STUDY OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPECIES CAUSING HUMAN INFECTIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS.

Dr. Shreya Chaudhuri; Dr. M.S Qazi

Volume : VIII, Issue : III, March - 2019

STUDY OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPECIES CAUSING HUMAN INFECTIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS.

Dr. Shreya Chaudhuri, Dr. M. S Qazi

Abstract :

Objectives: To determine the distribution of enterococcus species among various clinical specimens and their association with various human infections and to study the predisposing factors for enterococcal urinary tract infection. Material and Methods: Conventional identification scheme by Faclam and Collins was used to speciate the various enterococcal isolates from clinical specimens. Retrospective analysis of patient�s history and clinical criteria were taken into account for evaluating the major risk factors associated with enterococcal urinary tract infections. Results: 180 enterococcal isolates were obtained from various clinical samples from October 2014 to November 2016. E. faecalis (103) was the predominant species isolated, followed by E. faecium (76) and one isolate of E. hirae (1). Out of 180 isolates, 125 (69.44%) were from urine samples, 25 (13.89%) from pus and wound swab, 23 (12.78%) from blood and 7 (other specimens). Most common enterococcal infection was urinary tract infections found in 70.56% cases, out of which 55.91% patients were catheterised and 5.51% patients were on prolonged antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: Enterococcus have emerged as a major pathogen in various human infections specially nosocomial urinary tract infections in catheterised patients and prolonged use of antibiotics. Since they are a part of normal human flora of gastrointestinal tract and perianal area, it is a cause of great concern. Study results appeal that need of hour is to implement infection control practices and prevent injudicious use of antibiotics.