Clinical and microbiological observational study on AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a hospital of Nepal

Abstract

Limited information is available regarding AmpC β-lactamase (ABL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae compared to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enterobacteria. Since ABL-producing organisms are often resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents, therapeutic options against these pathogens are limited. Among 230 clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 64 (27.8%) were found to produce ABL in our study. Escherichia coli (83.9%) was a predominant pathogen, followed by Citrobacter freundii (5.2%). A significant proportion of ABL-producing isolates (81.3%) were found to be multidrug resistant against commonly used antibiotics. Univariate analysis showed that prior history of taking antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 5.278; confidence interval [CI], 2.838–9.817; p < 0.001) and being inpatients (OR, 4.587; CI, 2.132–9.9; p < 0.001) were associated with ABL positivity. Regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance for ABL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is warranted for proper antimicrobial treatment strategy and policy making due to ABL-positive infections. Keywords: AmpC β-lactamase, Enterobacteriaceae, Antibiotic resistance