Antibiotic impregnated tablets for screening ESBL and AmpC beta lactamases

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat. Fifty non repetitive multi drug resistant gram negative bacterial isolates were screened for ESBL, AmpC, ESBL-AmpC co-production using antibiotic tablets. Of these 56% were Escherichia coli, 16% were Klebsiella spp., 39.6% produced ESBLs, 17.2% AmpC and 13.8% showed co-production. Antibiotic tablets sensitivity for ESBL detection was 93.9% compared to filter paper discs. We emphasize that even small and medium level laboratories should screen for ESBL and AmpC production to check the burden of antibiotic resistance. Use of antibiotic tablets, though costlier can be used especially in tropical countries given their stability during transit from manufacturer to user.