PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ESBL-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI AND KLEBSIELLA SPP. IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae represent a serious challenge to antimicrobial therapy globally. This study assessed the prevalence of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., their antibiotic resistance profile, and the distribution of ESBL genes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 100 clinical isolates (50 E. coli and 50 Klebsiella spp.) from various specimens were identified using standard microbiological techniques. ESBL screening was done using third-generation cephalosporins, and confirmation employed the double-disk synergy test (CLSI 2010). PCR was performed to detect bla\TEM, bla\SHV, and bla\CTX-M genes.