Comparative Study of Noncatheterized and Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections by ESBL-Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli in an Urban Tertiary-Care Center, Salem, Tamil Nadu.

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections are frequently caused by Gram-negative bacilli, and timely detection and management of resistant strains and their antimicrobial susceptibilities are crucial.

METHODS

A six-month study examined Gram-negative bacilli from catheterized and noncatheterized patients, assessing antibiotic susceptibility, minimum inhibitory concentration, and Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production genes using real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Out of 72 isolates, 55.56% were ESBLs, with 65.0% from catheterized and 35.0% from noncatheterized samples. Out of 21 ESBL isolates, 47.62% had cefotaximase M (CTX-M) gene, while 4.76% had sulfhydril variant (SHV) and oxacillinase (OXA) 10/11 genes. Coproduction of CTX-M and SHV was observed.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals multiple ESBL genes co-expression in clinical isolates from catheterized and noncatheterized patients, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and antibiotic policy development.