Antibiotic Resistance Rate among Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid at a Tertiary Care Center in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a common global health problem, and antibiotic resistance remains a significant concern for doctors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid at a tertiary care center in Western Uttar Pradesh.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2022, in which BAL fluid samples were collected from patients attending the tertiary care center. The samples were processed for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Out of 112 BAL samples cultured, 84 showed growths of bacterial pathogens, with 82 (97.6%) being Gram-negative bacteria and 29 (35%) of these being extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. The percentage of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) isolates was 77.38% (65/84). The Gram-negative isolates were most sensitive to imipenem, followed by ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and tetracycline. Cephalosporins and piperacillin-tazobactam showed a high resistance pattern to these bacteria. The Gram-positive isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin.

The high prevalence of ESBL-producing and MDR isolates in BAL samples highlights the need for the prudent administration of antibiotics and the creation of local antibiograms to guide empirical therapy. This study provides valuable information on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens causing LRTIs, which can aid in developing effective treatment strategies.