prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing pathogens from urinary tract infected samples and their sensitivity pattern against withania somnifera l

background urinary tract infections (uti) caused by resistant bacteria are becoming more prevalent. the spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (esbl)-producing bacteria worldwide has become a serious public health issue among healthcare centers and in the community. drugs and many secondary metabolites from medicinal plants have proved to be economical and effective against many pathogens. objectives the present study was designed to detectext ended-spectrum beta-lactamase (esbl) producers and their sensitivity pattern against extracts of withania somnifera. patients and methods infected urine clinical samples were collected aseptically and processed immediately for the isolation of pathogens. isolated pathogens were identified based on physiological characters and their esbl pattern was determined by the stroke method. the sensitivity of esbl strains against withania somnifera was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. results totally 26 isolates were isolated and 65.3% showed resistance to cefixime, chloramphenicol, clotrimazol, amoxicillin, ampicillin, amikacin and penicillin antibiotics. of the 32 sample, 61% of the isolates were found to be esbl producers and highest incidence was found in the age group of 30-45 years. extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers belonging to the following species, e. coli, proteus sp and pseudomonas aeruginosa, were also multidrug resistant. all three tested esbl pathogens were highly sensitive to the root extracts of w. somnifera and moderately sensitive to leaf extracts. the maximum zone of inhibition of root extracts was 19 ± 0.2 mm against esbl e. coli followed by 18 ± 0.2 mm against esbl pseudomonas aeruginosa and proteus sp. conclusions the present study reveals the potential role of w. somnifera against uti pathogens and it confirms the antibacterial activity of this species against drug resistant clinical pathogens.