Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the resistance ratios of staphylococci to antimicrobial agents in
intensive care units that might be useful from therapeutic and epidemiological points of view.
Methods: Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from different specimens and identified according to conventional
methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method according to proposals of
NCCLS.
Results: The incidence of resistance is higher among coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) than Staphylococcus
aureus. The antimicrobial resistance of 58 strains of CNS isolates was 29% teicoplanin, 51% ciprofloxacin, 58%
gentamicin, 63% for each of co-trimoxazole and clindamycin, 79% erythromycin, 86% oxacillin and 96% penicillin.
The multiple antimicrobial resistances were revealed by 96% of CNS isolates. The multiple antimicrobial resistance
was also observed in S. aureus isolates but less than CNS (78%). Of 32 S. aureus isolates, 12% co-trimoxazole, 25%
teicoplanin, 46% erythromycin, 50% clindamycin, 68% gentamicin, 71% ciprofloxacin, 81% oxacillin and 100%
penicillin were resistant. No resistance to vancomycin was observed.
Conclusion: The findings revealed an increase in incidence of resistance and multiple antimicrobial resistant strains
to commonly used antimicrobials in intensive care units. Therefore, prudent policy in prescribing and using of
antibiotics is indispensable.
Key Words: Staphylococcus aureus, CNS, Antibiotic Resistance, Intensive Care Units
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