[Changes in the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to 6 antimicrobial agents during the last 12 years. Group of Microbiologists of County Hospitals of Catalonia]

Abstract

Objective: To study the current state and development in the sensitivity of Escherichia coli during 12 years, in order to find the use of 6 antimicrobials.

Design: A descriptive study of the annual sensitivity percentages of E. coli strains isolated from clinical samples between 1984 and 1995.

Setting: Microbiology Laboratories in 15 County Hospitals in the province of Barcelona.

Patients and participants: E. coli strains, isolated from clinically significant samples, were studied for sensitivity against antimicrobials.

Measurements and main results: Cefuroxime and Gentamicin had in vitro sensibility above 94%. Current sensitivity of E. coli to Norfloxacin was 85%. Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid maintained its sensitivity at about 80% with few variations. Ampicillin and Co-trimoxazole had steady sensitivity figures, always below 50 and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions: Progressive decrease in the sensitivity of E. coli strains to Norfloxacin was observed. There was excellent sensitivity to Cefuroxime and Gentamicin.