Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of bacteria colonizing central venous catheter line and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of pathology, Sahara Medical College, Narowal from January to June 20201. Sample size was calculated using WHO sample size calculator and we used non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Central venous catheter tip colonization was defined as bacterial colony count ≥15 CFU/ml by semi quantitative technique. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated bacteria was determined using Disc Diffusion Method as recommended by CLSI guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Results: A total 125 specimens were obtained from 125 patients. Micro-organisms growth was obtained on 110(88%) specimens. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 60(54.5%) specimens, gram-negative bacteria in 23(20.9%) specimens. Vancomycin and linezolid were most effective against gram positive bacteria while colistin and imipenem against gram negative organisms.
Conclusion: Bacteria colonizing central venous catheter line was very common

Key words: Central venous catheter, Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, candida species, antimicrobial susceptibility, catheter related infections.