Abstract
Background: Blood stream infections (BSI) are one of the major life-threatening infections responsible for prolonged hospital stays and significant mortality. It can be a community-acquired or hospital-acquired infection. A proper antibiotic policy can help in the selection of a proper antibiotic to reduce mortality and increase the patients’ outcomes.

Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are to identify the organism causing BSI and determine its antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SBKS MI & RC, Piparia, over a period of 18 months and included 397 clinically suspected cases of BSIs after approval from HREC. Positive blood cultures indicated by the BACTEC 9050 were processed for further identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing by conventional methods according to standard laboratory techniques.

Results: Out of 397 samples, 104 (26.19%) were positive, and 13 microorganisms were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms. Imipenem and vancomycin were highly effective antibiotics. The study showed 37.84% extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers among Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. S. aureus showed 47.82% methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion: This study was intended to serve as a reference to guide clinicians in applying appropriate empirical therapy and the best regimen based on the local condition to improve the overall outcome of the patients’ management.

Key words: Blood Stream Infection; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase