Prevalence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas from Patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria from three Referral Hospitals of Amhara region, Ethiopia

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) has become a public health threat worldwide. This threat is worse in developing countries where there is high infectious disease burden and spread of antimicrobial resistance co-exist. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to assess MDR, ESBL and carbapenemase producing GNB from patients attending three selected referral hospitals in Amhara region.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017- April 2018 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie Referral Hospital and Debre Markos Referral Hospital of Amhara national regional state. A total of 833 study subjects were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Clinical samples such as blood, urine, stool, wound, abscess, ear discharge, nasal discharge, cervical discharge and body fluid specimens were aseptically collected. Culturing for identification of bacteria and determination of drug susceptibility testing were done following standard microbiological techniques. Selected MDR isolates were phenotypically assessed for ESBL and carbapenemase production.

Results

Of the 833 clinical samples cultured for bacterial growth, 141 (16.9%) were positive for GNB. The most common GNB identified were E. coli 46 (32.6%), Klebsiella spp. 38 (26.5%) and Proteus spp. 13 (9.2%). The overall MDR prevalence was 121 (85.8%). Among the total isolates, 137 (97.2%) were resistant to ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole 115 (81.6%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 109 (77.3%), cefixime 99 (70.2%), cefepime 93 (66.0%) and tetracycline 91 (64.5%). The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing GNB were 69/124 (55.6%). Of which Klebsiella spp. 19 (15.3%) and E. coli 17 (13.7%) were common ESBL producers. Carbapenemase-producing isolates were 8/51(15.7%). Of which Enterobacter, Klebsiella and E. coli were common carbapenemase producers.

Conclusion and recommendation

Multi-drug resistance and ESBL producing isolates in the present study were high. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were the most common ESBL producing GNB. Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli and Citrobacter spp. were typical carbapenemase-producing isolates. Continuous monitoring, antibiotic stewardship and molecular detection of the gene responsible for drug resistance are important means to reduce the spread of drug-resistant pathogens.

Antibiotic resistance in Pakistan: a systematic review of past decade

Background

During the last six decades, extensive use of antibiotics has selected resistant strains, increasing the rate of fatal infectious diseases, and exerting an economic burden on society. This situation is widely accepted as a global problem, yet its degree is not well elucidated in many regions of the world. Up till now, no systemic analysis of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Pakistan has been published. The current study aims to describe the antibiotic-resistance scenario of Pakistan from human samples of the last 10 y, to find the gaps in surveillances and methodology and recommendations for researchers and prescribers founded on these outcomes.

Methods

Original research articles analyzed the pattern of Antibiotic resistance of any World Health Organization (WHO) enlisted priority pathogens in Pakistan (published onward 2009 till March 2020), were collected from PubMed, Google scholar, and PakMedi Net search engines. These articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data about the study characteristics and antibiotic-resistance for a given bacterium were excluded from literature. Antibiotic resistance to a particular bacterium was calculated as a median resistance with 95% Confidence Interval (CI).

Results

Studies published in the last 10 y showed that Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the most reported clinical diagnosis (16.1%) in Pakistan. E. coli were reported in 28 (30.11%) studies showing high resistance to antibiotics’ first line. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 49% of S. aureus’ total reported cases. Phenotypic resistance pattern has mostly been evaluated by Disk Diffusion Method (DDM) (82.8%), taken Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) as a breakpoint reference guideline (in 79.6% studies). Only 28 (30.11%) studies have made molecular identification of the resistance gene. blaTEM (78.94% in Shigella spp) and blaNDM-1 (32.75% in Klebsiella spp) are the prominent reported resistant genes followed by VanA (45.53% in Enterococcus spp), mcr-1 (1.61% in Acinetobacter spp), and blaKPC-2 (31.67% in E. coli). Most of the studies were from Sindh (40.86%), followed by Punjab (35.48%), while Baluchistan’s AMR data was not available.

Conclusion

Outcomes of our study emphasize that most of the pathogens show high resistance to commonly used antibiotics; also, we find gaps in surveillances and breaches in methodological data. Based on these findings, we recommend the regularization of surveillance practice and precise actions to combat the region’s AMR.

β-lactamases (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTXM-1, bla VEB, bla OXA-1 ) and class C β-lactamases gene frequency in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various clinical specimens in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross sectional study

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with  intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases genes frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. Eighty isolates were confirmed as Ps. aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species specific primers. The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB, blaOXA-1, blaAmpC and blaDHA). Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB and blaOXA-1 genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β- Lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of beta-lactamases genes was as follows: blaTEM, 19 (44.2%); blaSHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); blaVEB, 14 (32.6%); blaOXA-1, 7 (16.3%). blaAmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%).  In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and blaDHA genes. Conclusion: Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β- lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.

β-lactamases (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTXM-1, bla VEB, bla OXA-1 ) and class C β-lactamases gene frequency in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various clinical specimens in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross sectional study

Background:Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with  intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases genes frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. Eighty isolates were confirmed as Ps.aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species specific primers. The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB, blaOXA-1, blaAmpC and blaDHA). Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB and blaOXA-1 genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β- Lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of beta-lactamases genes was as follows: blaTEM, 19 (44.2%); blaSHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); blaVEB, 14 (32.6%); blaOXA-1, 7 (16.3%). blaAmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%).  In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and blaDHA genes. Conclusion:Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β- lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.

Distribution of bla CTX - M , bla TEM , bla SHV and bla OXA genes in Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Clinical isolates: A three-year multi-center study from Lahore, Pakistan

Background

Frequency of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing clinical isolates is increasing worldwide. This is a multi-center study which was aimed to check the frequency of third-generation cephalosporin resistance and distribution of the key genetic determinants of Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Clinical isolates in Pakistan.

Methods

A total of 2372 samples were processed in three tertiary care hospitals and one diagnostic research center of Lahore, Pakistan during Aug-2014 to Sep-2017. Analytical profile index (API 20-E) was used for biochemical characterization of isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and third generation cephalosporin resistant (3GC-R) isolates were subjected to: double disc synergism test (DDST), combination disc test (CDST) and epsilometric test (E-test) for confirmation of ESBL-production. PCR amplification of isolates with plasmid and genomic DNA was performed. Amplicon sequences were checked for gene-variants and statistical analyses were performed to check the significance of data.

Results

A total of 497/995 (50%) isolates including Escherichia coli 65% (n = 321), Klebsiella spp. 25% (n = 124) and Pseudomonas. 5% (n = 24), Enterobacter spp. 4% (n = 20) and Acinetobacter spp. 2% (n = 8) were screened as third generation cephalosporin resistant (3GC-R). Urine 56% (n = 278) followed by pus 20% (n = 99) and wound swab 6% (n = 29) were frequent sources. Incidence of ESBL-producers detected by combination disc test was 79% (n = 392). PCR revealed bla_{CTX − M} (76%) gene followed by bla_OXA (52%), bla_TEM (28%) and bla_SHV (21%) were most prevalent among ESBL-producers detected by CDST. bla_{CTX − M − 1}(65%), bla_OXA (78%) and bla_TEM (57%) genes were carried on plasmids. Amplicon sequencing revealed bla_{CTX − M − 15} (75%), bla_OXA − 1 (49%) and bla_{TEM − 1B} (34%) and 21 (n = 28) isolates carried three genes in them.

Conclusion

Prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates has increased 1.13 folds during study years. Isolates had high prevalence of ESBL-encoding bla_{CTXM − 15} gene and narrow spectrum bla_OXA − 1 and bla_{TEM − 1B} were also prevalent.

High rates of CTX-M group-1 extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli from pets and their owners in Faisalabad, Pakistan

PURPOSE

Pet animals have been considered a potential carrier of clinically important multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli. However, little is known about the role of pets as reservoirs of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli in Pakistan. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and genetic relatedness of ESBL-producing multidrug-resistant E. coli in pets, their owners, and veterinary professionals.

METHODS

A total of 105 fecal samples were collected from dogs, cats, their owners, and veterinary professionals from veterinary clinics. Isolates of ESBL-producing E. coli were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The presence of bla CTX-M genes and CTX-M groups I and II in multidrug-resistant E. coli was detected using PCR. Clonal diversity was checked using BOX-PCR.

RESULTS

Of the 105 fecal samples screened, 73 (69.5%) were found to contain ESBL-producing E. coli. The percentage of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates in dogs and dog owners was found to be 81.8% (18/22) and 59% (13/22), respectively. In cats, this percentage was 73.9% (17/23) and in cat owners, 56.5% (13/23). Furthermore, 80% (12/15) of E. coli isolates in veterinary professionals were ESBL producers. Of these 73 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, 23 isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype. The most prevalent multidrug-resistant pattern (17.4%) identified was resistant to ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin. In the multidrug-resistant E. coli, bla CTX-M was identified as the most common ESBL-producing genotype (19/23), with bla CTX-M-1 dominating in all 19 isolates. Furthermore, BOX-PCR analysis exhibited genetically diverse clonal groups among isolates of the CTX-M-1 group.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide important baseline information on the potential burden of multidrug-resistant E. coli among companion animals in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to understand the drivers of antimicrobial resistance at human-animal-environmental intersections.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: first systematic meta-analysis report from Pakistan

Background

South-Asia is known as a hub for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Unfortunately, proper surveillance and documentation of MDR pathogens is lacking in Pakistan. The alarming increase in the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is a serious problem. From this perspective, we analysed published data regarding ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in different regions of Pakistan.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Pakistan. A Web-based search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and PakMedi Net (for non-indexed Pakistani journals). Articles published (in either indexed or non-indexed journals) between January 2002 and July 2016 were included in the study. Relevant data were extracted, and statistical analysis was performed using the Metaprop command of STATA version 14.1.

Results

A total of 68 studies were identified from the electronic data base search, and 55 of these studies met our inclusion criteria. Pakistan’s overall pooled proportion of ESBL-producers was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.34–0.47). The overall heterogeneity was significant (I2 = 99.75%, p < 0.001), and significant ES = 0 (Z = 18.41, p < 0.001) was found. OXA, SHV, TEM and CTX-M were the most commonly found gene variants for ESBLs in these studies.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is high in Pakistan. Little is known about the annual frequency of ESBLs and their prevalence in different provinces of Pakistan. No data are available regarding ESBL frequency in Baluchistan. This underscores an urgent demand for regular surveillance to address this antimicrobial resistance problem. Surveillance to better understand the annual ESBL burden is crucial to improve national and regional guidelines.