Prevalence of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases- producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia from patients attending Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)- producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae has been increased globally. The study aimed to detect the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens in Tripoli university hospital (TUH) and to evaluate their antimicrobial resistance profile. We retrospectively reviewed the recorded cultures results in the microbiology laboratory, TUH during the first half of the year 2021. 77% of E. coli and 72.5% K. pneumonia were multidrug resistant. ESBL phenotype detected in 20% of K. pneumonia and 17.5% E. coli. ESBLs were isolated more frequently from the surgical ward (32.4%). ESBLs show high resistance to beta-lactam and other antibiotics including TMP/SMZ, and aminoglycosides. Our study showed a considerably high prevalence of ESBLs positive strains of E. coli and k. pneumoniae