Evaluation of role of Tigecycline among clinically significant multidrug resistant pathogens from a tertiary care hospital [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background Tigecycline, a glycylcycline antibiotic is a promising option for the treatment of single or multidrug resistant pathogens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in-vitro Tigecycline susceptibility of various pathogens from clinical samples received at the tertiary care hospitals in South India. Methods The analysis of specimens from patients admitted were carried out in this prospective cross sectional study. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by semi-automated Vitek 2 systems and Kirby Bauer method. Pattern of data analysis was done by descriptive statistics. Results Among 2574 isolates, 812 isolates were gram positive pathogens and 1762 isolates were gram negative pathogens. Resistance to Tigecycline was more common among gram negative pathogens (18.62%) in comparison to the gram positive pathogens (0.49%). Among 740 Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL) producers such as Klebsiella species & E coli, 629 isolates were susceptible, and 93 isolates were resistant to the tigecycline. All the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were susceptible to tigecycline. Conclusion Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens like Acinetobacter species, and Klebsiella species were found to be highly effective in vitro to tigecycline for elimination of infections caused by both gram positive and gram negative pathogens. The use of combination therapy becomes crucial to prevent the development of Pan Drug resistance.