Bacteriological profile of endotracheal tube culture in mechanically ventilated neonated admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care center

Introduction: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among neonates admitted to NICU. Advances in sepsis management and ventilator strategies have improved chances of survival. However, neonates requiring ventilator support for prolonged periods have more chances of complications which lead to increased negative outcomes. Hence, this study aims to identify bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns in intubated neonates via endotracheal tube culture. Methods: This study was conducted in the NICU of PoAHS, Pokhara, over two years (April 2022 to March 2024), and it included 169 intubated neonates who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: Among these intubated neonates,15 (8.8%) endotracheal (ET) tube cultures were positive for organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa(46.6%) was the most commonly isolated organism which was followed by Acinetobacter baumanni(20%), Escherichia coli(13.3%), and Enterobacter species (6.6%). Most isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin(73%) and gentamicin (60%) and were found to be sensitive to tigecycline (53.3%), ceftazidime (33.3%) and meropenem (20%). Conclusion: We conclude that analysis of ET tube culture could lead to the identification of culprit organisms and their sensitivity pattern towards antibiotics commonly used in NICU.