Among the gram negative organisms Escherichia coli commonly causes both nosocomial and community acquired infections in human. Occurrence of multiresistant strains necessitates periodic monitoring of its susceptibility pattern. This retrospective study was done in the Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College Hospital, Pondicherry. During the period from January 2012 to June 2012, a total of 5381 specimens (Urine, Blood, Pus, Swab, Cerebrospinal fluid etc.) were processed for culture and sensitivity according to CLSI recommendations. Sensitivity pattern was shown using descriptive stastistics. Gram negative bacteria accounted for about 62% of the isolates. The main species were Escherichia coli 483(52.6%), Klebsiella sp.196 (21.3%), Pseudomonas sp.167 (18%), Proteus sp.38 (4%), Salmonella sp.17 (2%),Citrobacter 8 (0.8%), Moraxella 3(0.3%), Vibrio 2(0.2%), and H.influenza, Acinectobacter and Enterobacter 1(0.1%).Escherichia coli showed high level of susceptibility to Imipenem (99.7%), Piperacillin+Tazobactum (97%), Meropenam (95%), Nitrofurantoin (92%) and Amikacin(84%). Very high rates of resistance was seen with Ampicillin(88%), Nalidixic acid (86%), Amoxycillin + clavulanic acid(84%) and Cotrimoxazole(74%). Periodic monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility both in the community and hospital settings is recommended to identify the sensitivity and resistant patterns of E.coli
