The detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing Escherichia coli isolated from clinical samples

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a stern public health problem and are caused by a wide range of pathogens, but most frequently by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. High frequency rates and increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens threaten to greatly raise the economic load of these infections. Few E.coli organisms are able to produce an enzyme called extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that cause high resistance to all beta-lactam antibiotics with the exception of carbapenems or cephamycins but inhibited by beta-lactam in combination with inhibitors like clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam. This study was to determine the prevalence of ESBLs. Isolation and identification of ESBLs producing E.coli isolation and its confirmation via different confirmative tests. The study included total of 150 clinical specimens of urine and pus. E.coli isolates were screened positive was study for ESBL detection by DDST and DDDT method. The ESBL percentage was more in female urine samples.