Exploring Carbapenem-Resistant NFGNB in Northern Kerala: Phenotypic Detection and Characterization of MBL Producers in Clinical Samples

Abstract

Background: The Non-Fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) are considered an emerging threat owing to their multi-drug resistance and ability to cause nosocomial infections. In the recent decade, carbapenem resistance in NFGNB has increased due to several drug resistance mechanisms, the most common beingthe production of carbapenemases. Fewer data are available on the species diversity of carbapenem-resistant NFGNB in the clinical samples from Northern Kerala, India.

Materials and methods: All clinical isolates are carbapenem-resistantNFGNB and were collected from a tertiary care hospital and screened for Carbapenem resistance or MBL. Metallo β – lactamases (MBL) enzyme production was detected by using a combined disc diffusion (CDD) test and E-test for the screening of MBL strain 

Result: Out of 100 carbapenem resistant NFGNB isolates, 51 were carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanniiand 29 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, 41 strains were found to be MBL producers from the E-test and 37 were positive for the CDD test. Among the 29 carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 23 strains were found to be MBL producers from the E-test and 23 were positive to CDD test.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the high prevalence of carbapenem resistance NFGNB among the clinical isolates in the regions of North Kerala, India.