Extended spectrum beta lactamase production & multidrug resistance in Klebsiella species isolated from children under five with intestinal & extraintestinal infections

Background & objectives: Extended spectrum beta -lactamases (ESL) are enzymes produced in some Gram-negative bacilli that mediate resistance to third generation cephalosporins (3GC) and aztreonam. These are common in Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli and in other members of the family enterobacteriaceae. ES betaL production is accompanied by resistance to other antibiotics as these are encoded by multi drug resistance conjugative plasmids. The present study was undertaken to study the incidence of multi drug resistant and ES betaL producing Klebsiella spp. in children under five years of age suffering from intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Methods: A total of 90 strains of Klebsiella spp. (76 isolates of K. pneumoniae and 14 of K. oxytoca) were tested for resistance to 3GC antibiotics (ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone), amikacin, ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamycin and streptomycin by disc diffusion method. Isolates found resistant to 3GC antibiotics were tested for the production of ES betaL by double disc diffusion synergy test. Transconjugation experiments were done to study the transfer of drug resistance and ES betaL production from Klebsiella isolates to an Esch. coli strain (K12 J62-2). Results: All the 90 isolates showed multi drug resistance; 87 (96.6%) isolates showed resistance or decreased susceptibility to at least one of the three 3GC. ES betaL production was detected in four strains of K. pneumoniae and two K. oxytoca. ESPL activity could be experimentally transferred to recipient Esch. coli in all the 6 isolates. Resistance to P-lactam antibiotics was co-transferred along with resistance to gentamycin. Interpretation & conclusion: This study has shown the incidence of ESPL producing Klebsiella strains in children in Chennai, and possibly poses a threat in the treatment and management of Klebsiella associated infections. The incidence of ESPL producing strains of Klebsiella and other members of enterobacteriaceae should be carefully monitored in children to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics especially 3GC and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Hence, tests for the detection of ES betaL producing Klebsiella strains should be carried out routinely for better therapeutic management.