Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 33-40
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260404
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns among Bacterial Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nagaland: A Cross-Sectional Study
Tewe U Kapfo1, Senjele Kath2, Khriekuonuo Magdaline3, Mhasesalu Tetseo4, Chewete U Kapfo5, K Romila Chawang6
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, 2Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, 3Senior Resident, Department of Anesthesiology, 4Senior Resident, Department of Orthopedics, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Kohima, Nagaland, India.
5Consultant, Department of General Surgery, Oking Hospital and Research Clinic, Kohima, Nagaland.
6Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Unakoti Multispecialty Hospital, Unakoti, Tripura.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Mhasesalu Tetseo
ABSTRACT
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries, where inappropriate antibiotic use and limited surveillance accelerate its emergence. Local data on resistance patterns are essential for guiding empirical therapy.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Nagaland, India.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima from July 2024 to April 2025. Adult patients (≥18 years) with culture-positive bacterial isolates from specimens including blood, urine, sputum, pus, and other body fluids were included. A total of 110 bacterial isolates from 96 patients were analyzed using consecutive sampling. Data were collected from hospital records and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Gram-negative organisms predominated (82.7%), with Klebsiella spp. (29.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (20.9%), and Escherichia coli (15.5%) being the most common isolates. Pus (30.2%) and urine (27.1%) were the most frequent specimen types. High resistance was observed to ampicillin (88.7%), cefuroxime (74.1%), and cefotaxime (73.2%). Ciprofloxacin showed moderate resistance (58.3%), while gentamicin demonstrated lower resistance (26.7%). Carbapenems remained largely effective, though emerging resistance was noted in Acinetobacter spp. Gram-positive isolates showed complete sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of AMR was observed, particularly among Gram-negative bacteria, with significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, and rational prescribing practices is essential to combat AMR.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, Gram-negative bacteria, Nagaland, antibiotic resistance