Frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococcus aureus isolated from pus samples of paediatric patients

The formation of pus in infected wounds,ears and brain abscesses is a common problem for many patients which causes great distress in terms of discomfort,delayed healing and significantly increased healthcare cost. the aim of the study was to find out the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococcus aureus isolated from pus samples. the study was conducted at the microbiology department of the children's hospital and institute of child health,lahore during january 2009 to january 2010. a total number of 618 pus samples collected from infected wounds,ears and brain abscesses,were analyzed during the study period. staphylococcus aureus was identified on the basis of colony morphology,gram's stain,catalase and dnase test. out of 420 positive cultures 177 (42%) were staphylococcus aureus which showed antimicrobial susceptibility to vancomycin (100%) followed by co-amoxiclav (84%),teicoplanin (82%),fusidic acid (78.5%),cefotaxime (73%),amoxicillin (71%),erythromycin (67.7%),methicillin (66.7%),amikacin (65%),ampicillin (32%).