Comparison of the results of disc diffusion methods applied for detection of ESBL-positive strains of gram-negative rods

Examinations were undertaken to compare the results of disc diffusion tests applied for detection of strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). A total of 120 clinical strains were used in experiments. These strains were determined as ESBL-positive on the basis of consistent results of two methods: the double disc synergy test (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. (1988) and the diagnostic disc test (DD, version CPD/CD 01) according to Appleton (1999). In the next step examined strains were analysed in two further tests, which are variants of DD method: CAZ/CD 02 test with discs containing ceftazidime and ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, and CTX/CD 03 test with the use of cefotaxime and cefotaxime/clavulanic acid discs. ESBL-positive strains first of all belonged to the species E. coli and K. pneumoniae. In the case of seven analysed strains consistent results of determinations were not obtained with the use of different disc diffusion methods. Application of several disc diffusion methods to determine ESBL-positive strains of gram-negative rods increases the probability of their proper identification.     

Use of new methods for detection of beta-lactamases with extended-spectrum substrates (ESBLs)

The aim of performed examinations was to compare results of two methods applied for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Two hundred and sixty strains of Gram-negative rods were cultured from clinical specimens obtained from hospitalized patients. These strains were identified as ESBL-positive on the basis of the double-disc method (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. (1988) results. Identification of strains was performed in automatic ATB Expression system (bioMerieux, France). All strains were determined using a novel test for detection of ESBL-type enzymes (DD) according to Appleton (1999). Two discs are applied in this test: with cefpodoxime (CPD) and with cefpodoxime/clavulanate (CD 01, diagnostic disc). Consistent results of two methods (DDST and DD) were obtained in the case of 166 from among 260 of examined strains (60.4%). Consistent results concerned 161 out of 222 examined strains of enteric rods (72.5%) and only 5 from among 38 of other strains (mostly belonging to the group of non-fermenting rods). On the basis of performed investigations it can be stated that the novel method of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) detection (DD) according to Appleton (1999) is more objective and easier for interpretation than the double-disc synergy test (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. (DDST), which is widely applied in the routine microbiological diagnostics.     

ESBL-positive strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group isolated from patients at the regional hospital center in Płock (Poland)

The aim of this study was to confirm a presumptive qualification of clinical B. fragilis group strains isolated in P?ock as ESBL-positive strains and to determine some properties of these strains. Twenty four clinical strains belonging to the B. fragilis group, isolated first of all from surgical patients, were received for testing. Identification of strains was performed in the automatic ATB Expression system (bioMerieux sa, France) using biochemical API 20 A strips. Strains were tested for the production of catalase (ID Color Catalase test, bioMerieux sa) and beta-lactamase (Cefinase, BBL, Becton Dickinson, USA). Susceptibility of strains to four antimicrobial agents: clindamycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and imipenem was determined by Etest (AB Biodisk, Sweden). ESBLs were detected with the use of two disc diffusion methods: the double-disc synergy test (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. and the diagnostic disc (DD) test according to Appleton. Seventeen of examined strains belonged to the species Bacteroides fragilis, three--to B. ovatus/thetaiotaomicron, two--to B. distasonis, one--to B. uniformis and one--to B. stercoris/eggerthii. One strain (B. uniformis) did not produce catalase, whereas all strains produced beta-lactamases. Examined strains were susceptible in vitro to metronidazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and imipenem. One clindamycin-resistant strain was detected (B. fragilis). Occurrence of ESBL-type enzymes was confirmed in 22 strains of following species: B. fragilis (17 strains), B. ovatus/thetaiotaomicron (3), B. distasonis (1) and B. uniformis (1). Clinical strains of the B. fragilis group with a new mechanism of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics appeared during last years in Poland. They produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), so they are resistant to penicillins, cephalosporins and monobactams. Monitoring of infections caused by these threatening strains in hospital patients is very important.     

Application of four variants of the diagnostic disc test (CD01, CD02, CD03, CD04) for detection of ESBL-positive strains of gram-negative rods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of four variants of the diagnostic disc test (DD) to detect extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in nosocomial strains of gram-negative rods. Also, the diagnostic disc test (DD) was compared with the double-disc synergy test (DDST) for the effectivity of ESBLs identification. A total number of 111 ESBL-positive (DDST-positive) strains of gram-negative rods isolated from hospitalized patients in 2004 was examined. Ninety nine strains belonged to enteric rods (89.2%) and twelve strains--to nonfermentative rods (10.8%). Two reference strains: E. coli ATCC 25922 (ESBL-negative one) and K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 (ESBL-positive one) were included in the study. Four variants of the diagnostic disc test (DD, Oxoid Ltd, UK) were applied for ESBLs detection: CPD/CD01, CAZ/CD02, CTX/CD03 and CPO/CD04. All examined strains (111) were DDST-positive. Positive results in the DD test (Oxoid Ltd) were as follows: CPD/CD01--59 strains (53.2%), CAZ/CD02--80 strains (72.1%), CTX/CD03--92 strains (82.9%) and CPO/CD04--110 strains (99.1%). Discs containing cefpirome (CPO) and cefpirome with clavulanic acid (CD04) were the best set for detection of ESBLs in our collection of clinical gram-negative rods. Results of this variant of the DD test were the most consistent with the results of the DDST. Application of several disc diffusion methods to detect ESBL producers increases the probability of proper identification of these strains.     

Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases produced by nosocomial isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in Trakya University Hospital,Turkey

The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production by 194 nosocomial isolates of Enterobacteriacea recovered from 1995 to 1999 was investigated. The ESBL production was determined by the double-disk synergy test and was confirmed by the E-test ESBL strip. Twenty-three isolates (21 Klebsiella pneumoniae, one Escherichia coli, one Providencia rettgeri) were found as ESBL-producers (11.8%). These isolates were also usually resistant to non-betalactam antibiotics. Most of them contained a beta-lactamase with a pI of 7.6. All the strains conjugally transferred their ESBLs to recipient E. coli. Contrary to others, ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae strains isolated in 1999 were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and had the identical plasmid profiles suggestive of an outbreak. Ciprofloxacin resistance in these strains could not be transferred. In conclusion, K. pneumoniae was the main ESBL-producing species among nosocomial isolates of Enterobacteriacae in our hospital.     

Beta-lactamases with a wide substrate spectrum in gram negative strictly anaerobic rods

This study was performed to determine the susceptibility of the clinical strains of Gram-negative strictly anaerobic rods to newer beta-lactam antibiotics. Also, the trial was undertaken to detect strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and inducible beta-lactamases (IBLs) among Bacteroides spp. and Prevotella spp. rods isolated from hospitalized patients. One hundred strains of Gram-negative, obligatory anaerobic rods were applied in the study. The strains were identified in automatic ATB system using API 20 A strips. beta-lactamase-positive strains were determined with disc nitrocefin test. ESBL-producing strains were detected with double disc test according to Jarlier et al. (1988). Clavulanate was applied as the inhibitor of these beta-lactamases (AMO/CLAV disc). ESBL-positive strains were confirmed with the use of E test (TZ/TZL strip). Inducible beta-lactamases were determined by double disc method according to Sanders and Sanders (1979). Cefoxitin was the inducer of these beta-lactamases (FOX disc). Among 93 Bacteroides spp. strains and 7 Prevotella spp. strains, 91 strains (91%) produced beta-lactamases. Two ESBL-producing strains (2%) were detected. Strains producing inducible beta-lactamases (IBL) were not found. A high activity of the examined beta-lactam antibiotics against strains of Gram-negative anaerobes was found. The majority of strains were susceptible to piperacillin (95%), piperacillin combined with tazobactam (99%), ticarcillin combined with clavulanic acid (99%), meropenem (97%) and imipenem (99%). The obtained results indicate the necessity of ESBL determination among strains of the genus Bacteroides, isolated from clinical specimens. Newer beta-lactam antibiotics, especially penicillins in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors and carbapenems, are useful in empiric therapy of infections caused by Bacteroides spp. and Prevotella spp. anaerobic rods.     

In vitro activity of three different antimicrobial agents against ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae blood isolates

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) usually associated with multiple drug resistance, including beta-lactam and non-beta-lactam antibiotics. This resistance can cause Limitation in the choice of drugs appropriate for using in clinical practice, especially in life-threatening infections. In this study we aimed to investigate in vitro activity of meropenem, ciprofloxacine and amikacin against ESBL-producing and non-producing blood isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Fifty-eight E. coli (21 ESBL-producing, 37 non-ESBL producing) and 99 K. pneumoniae (54 ESBL-producing, 45 non-ESBL producing) strains were included in the study. The presence of ESBL was investigated by double disk synergy test and E-test methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by microdilution method according to NCCLS guideline. In vitro susceptibilities of ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains were found as 100% for meropenem, 33.3% and 25.9% for ciprofloxacine, 94.5% and 83.3% for amikacin. It was observed that; meropenem was equally active agent in both ESBL-producing and non-producing strains, and its activity was not affected by ESBL production. Whereas amikacin activity was minimally affected and ciprofloxacine activity was markedly decreased by ESBL production. In conclusion, meropenem seems to be better choice of antibiotic should be used for ESBL positive life-threatening infections, because of remaining highest activity.     

重症监护病房革兰阴性杆菌耐药性分析

目的了解深圳市人民医院重症监护病房(ICU)革兰阴性杆菌的分布及其耐药性,指导临床合理用药。方法收集来自重症监护病房各类标本分离的革兰阴性杆菌540株,用VITEK AMS-60或VITEK-Ⅱ全自动微生物分析仪进行菌种鉴定,用K-B法进行药敏试验。结果ICU检出的革兰阴性杆菌以鲍曼不动杆菌、大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌和肺炎克雷伯菌为主,ESBLs阳性的大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌比例为61.6%和51.8%,各类细菌对常用抗菌药物表现为严重耐药和多重耐药。结论该院ICU检出的革兰阴性杆菌以鲍曼不动杆菌、大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌和肺炎克雷伯菌为主,且呈现多重耐药性。     

Assessment of the susceptibility of the gram-negative rods isolated from hospitalized patients to cefoperazone/sulbactam

The susceptibility to cefoperazone/sulbactam of 197 strains of Gram-negative rods demonstrating an ESBL-positive phenotype was determined. The assortment of the investigated strains was as follows (numbers of strains are given in the brackets): E. cloacae (63), S. marcescens (46), K. pneumoniae (21), P. mirabilis (17), E. coli (9), P. vulgaris (8), P. aeruginosa (20) and A. baumanni (13). 83 strains from 197 were susceptible (42.1%). The MIC values were determined and the disc-diffusion method was performed. The susceptibilities among particular species were as follows (the order of data in the brackets is: % of the susceptible strains/MIC50/MIC90): E. cloacae (54.0/16/64), S. marcescens (23.9/64/> or = 128), K. pneumoniae (38.1/32/64), P. mirabilis (41.2/32/64), E. coli (44.4/32/32), P. vulgaris (75.0/8/32), P. aeruginosa (35.0/32/64), A. baumannii (46.2/32/64). Using disc-diffusion method, for 184 strains the difference between diameter of the inhibition zone around the disc with cefoperazone and the disc with cefoperazone/sulbactam was calculated. This difference amounted 5 mm or more in the case of 76.6% of the investigated strains. The results indicate that the comparison of the inhibition zones around cefoperazone and cefoperazone/sulbactam discs may be an additional method useful for phenotypic detection of ESBL producing organisms. These results highly correlated with results obtained by using analogous test with cefpirome and cefpirome/clavulanic acid (85.6% of concordance).     

Penetration of β-lactamase inhibitors into the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria

The effectiveness of a beta-lactamase inhibitor/beta-lactam combination against Gram-negative pathogens depends on many interplaying factors, one of which is the penetration of the inhibitor across the outer membrane. In this work we have measured the relative penetrations of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and BRL 42715 into two strains of Escherichia coli producing TEM-1 beta-lactamase, two strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing either TEM-1 or K-1, and two strains of Enterobacter cloacae each producing a Class C beta-lactamase. It was shown that clavulanic acid penetrated the outer membranes of all these strains more readily than the other beta-lactamase inhibitors. For the strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae clavulanic acid penetrated approximately 6 to 19 times more effectively than tazobactam, 2 to 9 times more effectively than sulbactam and 4 to 25 times more effectively than BRL 42715. The superior penetration of clavulanic acid observed in this study is likely to contribute to the efficacy of clavulanic acid/beta-lactam combinations in combating beta-lactam resistant bacterial pathogens.     

Evaluation of a double synergy differential test (DSDT) for differential detection of ESBL and AmpC-type β-lactamases in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis

This work describes a simple and practical double synergy differential test (DSDT) that couples the detection of ESBLs and AmpC-type enzymes by means of a combo-disk approach using cefotaxime and ceftazidime as indicator substrates, and clavulanate and boronic acid as enzyme inhibitors. The DSDT was tested with a collection of 118 Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis strains with different beta-lactamase profiles, and proved to be highly sensitive and specific for the detection of ESBL and AmpC-producing isolates.     

革兰阴性杆菌ESBLs和AmpC酶的检测及耐药分析

目的检测引起医院感染的革兰阴性杆菌携带产ESBLs和去阻遏AmpC酶状况,探讨各菌对临床常用抗生素的主要耐药机制及耐药性,为临床制定合理使用抗生素策略提供依据。方法采用全自动微生物分析仪（VITEK-32）做细菌鉴定和药敏试验,用纸片扩散确证法检测超广谱β-内酰胺酶（ESBLs）,用三维法检测高水平表达染色体编码的AmpC酶。结果158株革兰阴性杆菌ESBLs检出率为26．6％,主要菌为大肠埃希菌（45．2％）、肺炎克雷伯菌（42．9％）、阴沟肠杆菌（11．9％）。AmpC酶检出率为10．1％,主要为鲍曼不动杆菌（43．8％）、阴沟肠杆菌（25％）;上述产酶细菌均对青霉素和一、二、三代头孢菌素、磺胺类、喹诺酮类、氨基糖苷类耐药,对亚胺培南敏感。结论革兰阴性杆菌耐药机制主要是产超广谱β-内酰胺酶和AmpC酶,这些产酶菌株均出现多重耐药。     

Antibiotic susceptibility and occurrence of ESBL, IBL and MBL in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains and to detect strains producing inducible beta-lactamases (IBL), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL). During 6 month (October 2005 - March 2006), 66 strains of P. aeruginosa strains were cultured from clinical specimens obtained from patients of two of hospitals in Siedlce and from patients of outpatient clinics. All the strains were identified in the automatic ATB (bio Mérieux). The susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics was tested by standard disc diffusion method. The majority of strains were susceptible to meropenem (89.4%), piperacillin combined with tazobactam (84.8%), ciprofloxacin (84.8%) and piperacillin (83.3%). Many of our strains were resistant to carbenicillin (69.7%), mezlocillin (45.5%), gentamicin (42.4%) and netylmicin (30.3%). 6 strains (9.1%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Inducible beta-lactamases were detected with the use double disc method according to Sanders and Sanders. ESBL-producing strains were detected with double disc test (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. These strains were identified as ESBL-positive on the basis of the DDST were also determined using a double disc (DD) test according to Appleton. Production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) was examined with the use of Etest MBL (AB Biodisk, Sweden) and the double disc test according to Arakava et al. Sixty-five IBL-producing strains (98.5% of all strains) and three strains (4.5%) with MBL activity were detected. Strains producing extended beta-lactamases (ESBL) were not found.     

尿路感染相关病原菌的分布及耐药性分析

目的 调查尿路感染病原菌的分布和耐药特点,为临床的抗感染治疗提供依据。方法 收集2013年至2015年荆州市中心医院门诊和住院患者中,尿路感染患者送检的尿培养和血培养标本中检出的病原菌,采用Vitek2 Compact全自动微生物检测仪进行细菌鉴定,采用纸片扩散法和仪器法分别对革兰阴性杆菌和革兰阳性球菌进行药敏试验,药敏结果的判断依照CLSI M100-S24标准。数据分析采用WHONET 5.6和SPSS 19.0软件,统计分析采用χ2检验。结果 从尿路感染患者送检的标本中共检出各类非重复病原菌2 306株,其中门诊患者中检出19种100株,住院患者检出56种2 206株。导致尿路感染最多的两种病原菌为大肠埃希菌和粪肠球菌,分别检出1241株和232株。导致尿脓毒血症最多的两种病原菌为大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌,分别检出36株和10株。大肠埃希菌产ESBLs率达67.9%,其对多种抗菌药物的耐药性均高于60.0%。粪肠球菌对大多数抗菌药物的耐药性均高于50.0%,仅对呋喃妥因和高浓度链霉素的耐药性较低,分别为12.0%和38.7%;未检出对万古霉素、利奈唑胺和替加环素耐药的粪肠球菌。结论 导致尿路感染的病原菌种类繁多,大肠埃希菌和粪肠球菌是主要病原菌,其耐药情况严重;为保证治疗的有效性,临床医生应注重相关病原学和药敏检查结果。     

合肥地区动物源性大肠埃希菌的血清型分布与耐药性分析

目的了解安徽省合肥地区动物源性大肠埃希菌的血清型分布和耐药状况,以期筛选出菌苗株和指导临床合理用药。方法对46份疑似大肠埃希菌病病料进行细菌分离培养、生化编码鉴定和致病性测定。采用玻片凝集试验对分离到的46株致病性大肠埃希菌进行血清型鉴定。同时分别采用K-B纸片琼脂扩散法和双纸片增效法检测致病性大肠埃希菌的耐药性和ESBLs阳性菌株。结果46株致病性大肠埃希菌中,除7株细菌未能定型外,其余39株细菌分布于10个血清型,O127：K63血清型为优势血清型,占定型菌株的33．33％。46株致病性大肠埃希菌对21种抗菌药物均呈现不同程度的耐药性,15个ESBLs阳性菌株表现为多重耐药,对各种抗菌药物的耐药率均高于ESBLs阴性菌株。结论O127：K63血清型为优势血清型,可作为菌苗株。合肥地区动物源性大肠埃希菌耐药性较为严重,尤其是产ESBLs大肠埃希菌多重耐药更为突出。     

血液透析患者感染的菌群分布和耐药性分析

目的了解引起血液透析感染菌群分布及耐药情况。方法用K-B法进行药敏试验,对革兰阴性菌采用ESBLs确认试验检测ESBLs,头孢西丁三维试验检测AmpC。结果本组分离的259株细菌中,革兰阴性菌179株,占69.1%,主要致病菌为大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、阴沟肠杆菌。革兰阳性菌80株,占30.9%,以金黄色葡萄球菌、凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌居前2位。革兰阴性杆菌ESBLs、AmpC酶总检出率分别为42.4%、39.1%,单产ESBLs、单产AmpC、同产ESBLs 高产AmpC酶、ESBLs 诱导AmpC酶菌株依次占15.6%、12.3%、16.8%、10.1%。革兰阳性分离株除对万古霉素、替考拉宁、喹奴普汀-达福普汀、利福平的耐药率较低外,其余抗生素的耐药率均大于50.0%。革兰阴性分离株对亚胺培南、美罗培南、头孢哌酮/他唑巴坦的耐药率分别为5.02%、3.35%和6.70%,产酶株较非产酶株具有较高的耐药率。结论血液透析患者细菌感染以金黄色葡萄球菌、凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌、大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、阴沟肠杆菌为主,万古霉素、替考拉宁对革兰阳性菌,亚胺培南、美罗培南和头孢哌酮/他唑巴坦对革兰阴性菌具有良好的抗菌活性。     

社区与医院感染中肺炎克雷伯杆菌和大肠埃希菌耐药性分析

目的探讨社区和医院感染中肺炎克雷伯杆菌和大肠埃希菌产ESBLs的情况及耐药特性。方法采用体外扩散确证试验检测ESBLs,同时用Micro scan wat RA way-40系统全自动细菌鉴定/药敏分析仪及K-B琼脂扩散法进行细菌鉴定和体外药敏试验。结果社区感染标本中分离出肺炎克雷伯杆菌79株,产ESBLs20株,阳性率为25.3%,大肠埃希菌177株,产ESBLs27株,阳性率为15.3%;医院感染标本中分离出肺炎克雷伯杆菌82株,产ES-BLs33株,阳性率为40.2%,大肠埃希菌135株,产ESBLs42株,阳性率为31.1%,社区与医院感染菌株产ESBLs比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05);ESBLs阳性菌株对多种抗生素耐药,其耐药性明显高于ESBLs阴性菌株。结论肺炎克雷伯杆菌和大肠埃希菌产ESBLs菌株在临床分离率较高,医院感染标本要显著高于社区感染标本,并且对多种抗生素具有高度耐药性,产ESBLs菌株耐药性显著高于不产ESBLs菌株,临床上应加强对ESBLs的控制,以防感染流行。     

大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌ESBLs检测及耐药性分析

由细菌超广谱β-内酰胺酶（ESBLs）引起的细菌耐药性一直是临床相关感染性疾病治疗中的棘手问题。从不同病区患者标本中分离了96株大肠埃希菌和80株肺炎克雷伯菌,分剐采用双纸片协同试验和药物敏感试验检测了上述菌株产生ESBLs情况及对17种抗生素的耐药性。结果发现,27．1％（26／96）的大肠埃希菌株和22．5％（18／80）肺炎克雷伯菌株产ESBLs。ICU病房分离的大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌株ESBLs总阳性率（46．0％）与介入科病房和烧伤科病房分离菌株ESBLs总阳性率（28．6％和25．0％）无显著性差异（P〉0．05）,但明显高于呼吸科、骨科、其他病房及门诊部分离菌株ESBLs总阳性率（6．3％～14．3％,P〈0．01）。不产ESBLs大肠埃希菌株和肺炎克雷伯菌株对17种抗生素耐药率明显低于产ESBLs菌株。产ESBLs大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌对氨曲南均敏感,对氨苄西林／舒巴坦、阿莫西林／棒酸、阿米卡星耐药率仅为15．8％-23．4％。上述实验结果提示,大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌临床菌株中有较高的ESBLs阳性率,不同病区患者感染的大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌ESBLs阳性率有很大差异,氨曲南、氨苄西林／舒巴坦、阿莫西林／棒酸、阿米卡星可作为治疗产ESBLs大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌感染性疾病的首选药物。     

A preliminary survey of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Japan

We conducted a survey of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among 16805 Escherichia coli and 9794 Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates recovered from 196 separate medical institutions during the period January 1997 to January 1998. Using the criteria for minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oxyimino-cephalosporins of >/=8 microg ml(-1) and confirmation by double-disk test, we detected 15 E. coli and 34 K. pneumoniae isolates producing ESBLs. Genotypes of ESBLs determined by PCR with type-specific primers included one TEM-derived and 24 SHV-derived ESBLs, in addition to 24 Toho-1-type ESBLs, one of the major types of ESBLs reported in Japan. Nucleotide sequence analysis of SHV-specific PCR products revealed that SHV-12 was the dominant type of SHV-derived ESBL. In addition, we also identified TEM-26 and SHV-2. This is the first report characterizing TEM- and SHV-derived ESBLs in Japan.     

Sensitivity to selected beta-lactam antibiotics of clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

The studies aimed at analysing the resistance to some beta-lactam antibiotics among E. coli and K. pneumoniae clinical isolates and at evaluating. The extended spectrum of beta-lactamases (ESBL) production in the isolates. The analysis included 137 E. coli strains and 52 K. pneumoniae strains, isolated from hospitalized patients and out-patients treated in the first trimester of 1998. The strains were identified using the ATB computer system. Antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates was determined by disc-diffusion tests. ESBL production capacity of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains was estimated by double-disc and ATB BLSA tests. Most of the analysed E. coli strains were found to exhibit significant sensitivity to compound penicillin preparations containing beta-lactam inhibitor (Augmentin, Tazocin) and to the third generation cefalosporins, in contrast, K. pneumoniae strains much more frequently were resistant to the drugs. Among the obtained isolates, 3 (2.2%) E. coli strains and 21 (40.4%) K. pneumoniae strains produced ESBL but all the isolates proved sensitive to imipenem. In evaluation of ESBL production-detecting tests, the double-disc test was found to be more reliable than ATB BLSA test.