Detection of ESBL and AmpC production among MDR uropathogens in a tertiary care centre in Kerala

Βeta-lactamase production is the most common mechanism of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria[2] which are also the most common etiological agents in UTI. Extended spectrum betalactamases(ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamasesare produced by many Enterobacteriaceae. ‘Plasmids’ carrying ESBL and AmpC genes often carry multiple other resistance genes, thus leading to multi drug resistance in clinical isolates[3, 4]. Incidence of these MDR organisms is being continuously increasing throughout the world with limited treatment alternatives. Therefore it becomes necessary to know the prevalence of these organisms and to formulate treatment policy.