Prevalence and characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in clinical isolates of Klebsiella spp.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are most prevalent in Klebsiella pneumoniae. This organism is frequently isolated from clinical specimens and can cause septicemia, pneumonia or urinary tract infection. We investigated a spread of Klebsiella spp. isolates producing ESBL in a university hospital of Sanandaj-Iran. Over one year period, a total of 48 K. pneumoniae isolates, were examined by double disk tests and PCR methods. Ten isolates were defined as ESBLs. The ESBL producer isolates was more resistant to selected antibiotics than ESBL negative isolates. The most frequent ESBL type was CTX-M. This is the first report of Klebsiella spp. isolates producing ESBL in Sanandaj hospitals. Production of ESBLs by K. pneumoniae is a widespread nosocomial problem. Knowledge about their prevalence is essential to guide towards appropriate infection control and antibiotic management strategies.