Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Gram-negative (GN) bacteria are known to cause a multitude of illnesses.The production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) is one of the contributing factors for drug resistance in bacteria. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of ESBL-producing GN bacteria isolated from various clinical specimens in the population of Bihar, East India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Bihar, East India. The consecutive but non-repetitive clinical samples (urine, pus, sputum, and blood) obtained during the study period (July 2022 to March 2024) were included in the study. Samples from patients across all age groups and genders attending both outpatient and inpatient departments were included in the study. All cultures exhibiting no growth and urine and blood cultures exhibiting mixed growth were excluded from the study. ESBL-producing strains were suspected by phenotypic screening tests. Confirmation of ESBL-producing strains was done by the phenotypic test combined disc method. RESULTS: Among 1123 organisms isolated in different specimens, 758 were GN, 324 Gram-positive bacteria, and 41 others. Escherichia coli (43%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%) were the most common pathogens identified. There were 27% (208/758) ESBLs isolates in this study. Maximum ESBLs were isolated from the urine sample. Escherichia coli was the most common ESBL isolate. CONCLUSION: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common isolates. This study also found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing organisms, among which Escherichia coli was the most common. The prevalence of ESBL is increasing worldwide, and necessary steps to prevent its emergence and spread should be taken.