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A Study of Bacterial Cultures and their Antibiotic Sensitivities in a Paediatric Ward Population


I Freiman
E Esperanca

Abstract

This study reflects the bacterial infection prevalent in a general paediatric ward and assesses bacterial sensitivity to a number of antibiotics. Staphylococci were the commonest bacteria cultured and were almost entirely insensitive to penicillin. While 2% of all Gram-negative bacteria were insensitive to gentamicin, bacterial resistance to other commonly used antibiotics varied between 28% and 62%. Malnutrition or its associated ills enhanced the chances of infection with Gram-negative bacteria. It is recommended that gentamicin, penicillin and a penicillinase-resistant antibiotic be given to all seriously ill, malnourished children in whom infection is either overt or suspected on the grounds of pyrexia, shock or deteriorating clinical condition.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1251 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574