Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, driven by the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), presents a critical challenge to current medical treatments, particularly in clinical settings. Understanding the distribution and frequency of ESBL-producing bacteria is essential for developing effective control strategies. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in bacterial isolates in clinical and non-clinical (food) specimens in Tabuk, KSA. A total of 57 bacterial isolates were analysed, with E. coli and Pseudomonas sp. being the most prevalent. High resistance rates were observed, particularly against third-generation cephalosporins in clinical isolates. ESBL screening revealed a significant prevalence in clinical samples (58.3%), with E. coli showing the highest positivity. Conversely, only a low percentage of food isolates were ESBL positive. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of various ESBL genes, with bla(CTX)(-M) being the most frequent, predominantly found in clinical isolates. This study highlights the concerning levels of antibiotic resistance and ESBL production in the region, emphasising the need for effective infection control measures and prudent antibiotic use.