Linezolid Resistantclinically Significant Isolates of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci: An Emerging Therapeutic Concern

Abstract

Multidrug resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (MDRCoNS) have emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital settings. A total of 706 clinically significant isolates of CoNS, were identified up to species level. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out with especial reference to linezolid and methicillin. Staphylococcus epidermidis (44.33%) was the predominant species isolated followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus (39.37%) and Staphylococcus lugdenensis (5.24%). Isolates were predominantly recovered from blood 82.86%. Linezolid resistance (LzR) was seen in 2.54%.S. haemolyticuswas the most resistant phenotype. The LzR isolates were also methicillin resistant. MDRCoNSposes a significant therapeutic challengedemanding judicious use of antibiotics.