ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS IN BACTERIAL DERMATOLOGICAL INFECTIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA
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Keywords
Antibiotic resistance; Dermatological infections; MRSA; Multidrug resistance; North India; Antimicrobial stewardship
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance among dermatological infections is an emerging concern, particularly in developing countries like India where antibiotic misuse is prevalent. Understanding local resistance patterns is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.
Objectives: To identify the common bacterial pathogens causing dermatological infections and to evaluate their antibiotic resistance patterns in a tertiary care hospital in North India.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2022 to August 2022, including 180 patients with clinically diagnosed bacterial skin infections. Samples were collected and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI 2016 guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of patients were in the 21–40 years age group, with a male predominance. Folliculitis was the most common clinical presentation. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate, accounting for over half of the cases, with 15.6% identified as MRSA. Gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also observed. High resistance to penicillin and moderate resistance to erythromycin and ciprofloxacin were noted among S. aureus isolates, while linezolid and vancomycin showed high sensitivity. Multidrug resistance was observed in 32.2% of isolates. A statistically significant association was found between MRSA and recurrent infections (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of antibiotic resistance in dermatological infections, highlighting the need for rational antibiotic use and regular surveillance. Local antibiograms should guide empirical therapy, and antimicrobial stewardship programs must be strengthened to combat resistance.
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Dr Rashi Pangti
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, I.Q. City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India.
Dr Nidhi Paliwal
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Radha Sharma
Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr Jatin Prajapati
Post Graduate Student, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7298-4499 )
