RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF BETA-LACTAMASES PRODUCING PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa are one among the most versatile, adaptable microorganisms in the environment. They are known to cause diseases in multiple organ systems of humans. Due to their easy acquisition of resistance genes via various modes, multidrug resistance patterns are emerging. Morbidity and mortality especially of immunocompromised and hospitalized individuals are on the rise because of ESBL, MBL and AmpC producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To isolate Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various clinical samples and identify production of beta-lactamase enzymes. A prospective study for 6 Methods: months was undertaken to identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various clinical samples using conventional microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Further, beta-lactamase enzymes' production was screened and conrmed according to CLSI. During our study period, we isolated 189 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Results: from different clinical specimens. Screening for beta-lactamase enzymes revealed 38 (20.1%) probable ESBL, 15 (7.93%) probable MBL and 30 (15.87%) probable AmpC producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. From these, 7 (18.42%) were conrmed as ESBL producers, 6 (40%) as MBL producers and 20 (66.67%) as AmpC producers. Drug resistance to multiple groups of antibiotics was noted in all the beta-lactamase producing strains. Conclusion: Routine detection of suspected resistant strains in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory will aid in the early identication of the causative pathogen hence leading to appropriate steps for their treatment. A strict antibiotic policy to curb the misuse of second line antimicrobials will help in cutting down the production of mutants responsible for drug resistance.