ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial resistance is closely related to the susceptibility pattern of microorganisms. This study aims to identify the type of microorganisms isolated from different sites of patients and apply a backward evaluation of their resistance patterns. Data were collected and analyzed using WHONET 5.2 software. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out on isolates from NICU patients at USM Teaching Hospital (2003–2004). The isolates were investigated following the NCCLS guidelines. The common microorganisms identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The resistant strains identified were MRSE (80.9% and 78.3%), ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (57.5% and 29.4% in 2003 and 2004, respectively), MRSA (57.7% in 2003), and imipenem-resistant Acenitobacter sp. (27.3% in 2004). A comprehensive approach to the problem of antimicrobial resistance should use appropriate antimicrobial drugs and exercise strict infection control measures to control the spread of resistant bacteria.
