Phenotypic Detection of Extended Spectrum ß-lactamases Producing Clinical Isolates in Blood Stream Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India

BSI is caused by viable infectious microorganisms in the bloodstream (BS). Causing shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, multiple organ failure, and demise. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are plasmid-mediated enzymes that pose a major therapeutic struggle in hospitalized and community-based patients these days. Aim of the study is to detect ESBL isolates in multidrug resistant clinical isolates from blood stream infections. Methods: The multidrug resistant organisms were isolated using the standard protocol followed in the laboratory followed by using double disc synergy method for ESBL detection. Results: Staphylococci were the most common among the gram-positive organisms (thirty-seven percent) followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (twenty percent) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (5%). Escherichia coli (12%), Klebseilla pneumoniae (10%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7%) were the widely known gram-negative organisms. Escherichia coli and Klebseilla pneumoniae were the main multi drug resistant organisms out of that 3 (80%) of the tested Escherichia coli (5) and 2 (50%) of the tested Klebseilla pneumoniae (4) were ESBL-producers. Conclusion: For effective management and prevention of drug resistance, reasonable antibiotic use, establishment of antibiotic policy, and timely BSI therapy are necessary. Finally, any delay in initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy has the potential to be fatal.