Identification of AmpC Beta-Lactamases Using Phenotypic Tests and PCR in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli

Results: In this study, 221(93%) GNB were confirmed ESBL producers (range between centers, 74 to 99%) of which 94% were nosocomial in origin. ESBL in intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients was 86% and 98% respectively. Among ESBLs in ICU, 13.5% were community acquired. Resistance to LEV was 73.3% > P/T 27.3% and >AMK 12.3%. No resistance to IMP and MER seen. Overall 61% were MDR. Four KS (1.7%) isolates were resistant to ERT. PCR showed blaCTXM in 73%, blaTEM in 56% and blaSHV in 38%. Multiple genes were present in 60%. Conclusion: Prevalence of ESBL among GNB causing infections continues to be high in Indian medical centers. ERT shows good activity equivalent to the tested Group 2 carbapenems and may be considered for treatment of such infections.