Antimicrobial Activity of Cefepime-Tazobactam Combination against Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and/or AmpC Beta-Lactamase- Producing Gram-negative Bacilli

Abstract

Abstract Background The problem of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, which is caused by ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases, is getting worse globally. Infections caused by bacterial isolates harboring these enzymes are difficult to treat with carbapenems being the sole effective treatment option for such infections. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of the cefepime-tazobactam combination against ESBL- and/or AmpC-producing Gram-negative bacilli. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study carried out on 100 Gram-negative bacilli. ESBL production was screened by using the disc diffusion test followed by confirmation by the combined disc confirmatory test, the screening for AmpC production was conducted using the cefoxitin disc test, which was subsequently confirmed by the AmpC disc test. Isolates confirmed positive for ESBL and/ or AmpC production were investigated for their susceptibility to antibiotics. Results Among 100 Gram-negative bacilli, 44 isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by the combined disc confirmatory test out of 56 isolates that tested positive for ESBL production through the disc diffusion test. The presence of AmpC production was assessed using the cefoxitin disc test, 32 isolates were screened to be AmpC producers, and the AmpC disc test confirmed AmpC production in 9 isolates of them. Using the Mast® D68C set, 32 isolates were ESBL producers, 3 were AmpC producers, and 4 isolates were ESBL/AmpC co-producers. The highest sensitivity was to cefepime-tazobactam (91.48%) followed by the carbapenems. Conclusion Cefepime-tazobactam showed remarkable activity against ESBL and/or AmpC-producing Gram-negative bacilli and may be considered as a therapeutic alternative to carbapenems.