Short communication MULTIPLE ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF JIMMA HOSPITAL, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

. A total of 545 clinical specimens (pus, blood, urine, and stool) and environmental specimens (air sample, saline solution, nasal swabs etc) were cultured for isolation and identification of aerobic bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Out of these, 356(65%) specimens yielded one or more bacterial strains. Frequent bacterial isolates were S. aureus (17%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (25%), Proteus species (10.%), Klebsiella species (8%), E. coli and Enterobacter species (14%). The antimicrobial susceptibility test result shows that all E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species were resistant to ampicillin. Similarly 93% S. aureus, 88% coagulase-negative staphylococci were resistant to the same antimicrobial agent. Eighty five percent of Klebisiella, and 79% of E. coli were resistant to tetracycline. Almost all the isolates were found to be multiply resistant to the commonly used antimicrobials, ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. Antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria are increasing and may contribute to spread of serious infectious diseases. Therefore, to prevent and control infections by emerging antimicrobial resistant bacterial strains, measures such as strengthening clinical microbiology laboratory, emphasis on hygienic practices in hospital, and prudent use of existing antimicrobial agents are recommended. Key words/phrases: Antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial susceptibility, bacterial isolates, microorganisms