IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-6-19510 Original Research Paper ELIZABETHKINGIA MENINGOSEPTICUM: AN EMERGING PATHOGEN OF HOSPITAL INFECTIONS WITH HIGH MORTALITY RATE Geethanjali Dr. Dr.Rachana Babu Dr. June 2019 8 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

Context: Elizabethkingia meningosepticum is an emerging pathogen in hospital settings. It is an opportunistic pathogen with high mortality rate and outbreaks have occurred throughout the world. Aim: We aimed here to find out Elizabethkingia meningosepticum infections in our hospital, its clinical spectrum significance and mortality rate. Settings and Design: Retrospective one year study. Materials and Methods: All patients who had a microbiological examination of various clinical samples and isolated Elizabethkingia meningosepticum organism were assessed. Pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using VITEK 2 compact system. The data were collected from laboratory charts, laboratory and hospital information system in the study period of 1 year. Results: Out of 15 patients of Elizabethkingia meningosepticum, majority were above 50 years age group (60%) followed by neonates (13.3%). Most of the Elizabethkingia meningosepticum organisms was isolated from respiratory specimens (56.2%) and blood (31.2%). Out of 15 patients, 4 (26.6%) were expired, within 4 days of diagnosis and all of them were associated with comorbidities and had frequent hospitalizations. Out of 16 isolates, 1 (6.2%) were sensitive to piperacillin–tazobactum, 6 (37.5%) sensitive to ceftazidime–sulbactum, 9 (56.2%) sensitive to ciprofloxacin, 11(68.7%) sensitive to cotrimoxazole, 12 (75%) sensitive to levofloxacin, 14 (87.5%) were sensitive to minocycline. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment with susceptible antibiotic improves patient outcome. Varied Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and high mortality rate, making us to focus more on early detection, rapid sensitivity testing approaches and surveillance.