Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Carbapenam Resistance Enterobacteriaceae through Amplification of Carbapenam Resistance Genes

Abstract

Over the past few years, antibiotic resistance has become a global issue. Use of broad spectrum antibiotics and antibiotic abuse has made antibiotic resistance a major health concern and there is need to address it. Enterobacteriaceae is the most infectious group of pathogens which are usually handled with broad-spectrum antibiotics like carbapenam and beta lactams. Resistance to these groups has reached an alarming level. This Cross-sectional study focused on carbapenam resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and ESBL producing bugs. For this, samples from 492 clinically suspected cases of bacterial infections were collected including blood, sputum, urine and Pus samples. After isolation of bacterial growth, identification and sensitivity was tested using Vitek 2 compact. For carbapenam resistance testing, samples were subjected to genotyping by GeneXpert system - CarbaR method. Highest infection rate was recorded among male patients and E.coli was the most common pathogen. Although rate of ESBL was similar among all the participating departments, highest CRE rate was recorded from pediatric ward’s patients (94%) followed by orthopedic (89%), general OPD (89%) and ICU (67-70%).  National institute and other policy makers can utilize these findings in channelizing and regulating the administration of antibiotics to the infected individuals in order to combat increasing antimicrobial resistance in the country.