Detection and prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamases in gram-negative bacteria at our health-care center

Background: Emergence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains of Gram-negative bacteria can lead to serious infections frequently complicates the clinical and treatment outcome. 

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to know the prevalence of ESBLs and to know the most common Gram-negative bacteria, which produce ESBLs at our health-care facility. 

Materials and Methods: This study comprised all of the isolates of Gram-negative bacteria that were acquired from various clinical samples. For the purpose of the investigation, a sample of an isolate that showed resistance to two or more third-generation cephalosporins was taken. ESBL detection and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out using conventional microbiological techniques. 

Results: We isolated a total of 284 Gram-negative bacteria and 54 (19%) were identified as ESBL producers. Out 54 ESBL producers, 18 (33%) isolates were Escherichia coli, 11 (20%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 12 (22%) were Klebsiellae, 6 (11%) were Enterobacter, 2 (4%) were Citrobacter, 4 (8%) were Acinetobacter, and 1 (2%) were Serratia spp. 

Conclusion: Clinical decision-makers can make the best antibiotic treatment by regularly monitoring multi-drug resistant bacteria like ESBL producers. This also helps to improve infection control procedures. In addition, we must maintain reserve medications like carbapenems on hand for judicial use.