Prevalence of ESBL Producing Klebsiella Species Isolated from Respiratory Samples at Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) has recently become an important nosocomial pathogen. Intensive care units infections are predominant hospital acquired infections especially in tertiary health care. It is essential to know about ESBL prevalence in tertiary health care to take necessary actions by curbing resistant microorganisms. We aimed to study ESBL prevalence in Klebsiella species among respiratory samples from ICU patients. Methods: Respiratory samples collected from Intensive care unit patients, were processed under aseptic precautions. All Klebsiella isolates were subjected to routine antibiotic susceptibility testing by modified Kirby Bauer's disc diffusion method and also for ESBL testing along with control. The results were interpreted as per CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. Results: 153 (47.2%) Klebsiella species were isolated from 324 culture positive respiratory samples. Out of the 153 isolates which were screened for ESBL production, 90 (58.8%) isolates were found to be ESBL positive by CLSI disc diffusion. On performing confirmatory tests on the 90 isolates which were ESBL positive by screening tests, 84 (54.9%) were found to be ESBL producers on CLSI phenotypic confirmatory test (PCT) and 88 (57.5%) were found to be ESBL producers on Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Conclusion: Discussing with clinical microbiologist about antibiotic therapy helps clinicians to tackle with these resistant pathogens; also prevents transmission of resistant bugs and indirectly aid to increase life expectancy of patients.