English

Abstract

Background & Objective: Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are metalloenzymes of Ambler class B and are resistant to clavulanic acid.. They require zinc as co-factor for enzymatic activity and their activity is inhibited by ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid(EDTA) and other metal ion chelating agents. The first plasmid-mediated MBL was reported in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Japan in 1991. Since then many countries including few reports from India are available regarding the prevalence of MBLs. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MBLs in Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. Methods: A total number of 2912 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas spp. (n=2162) and Acinetobacter spp. (n=750) obtained over a period of one year, were screened for MBL production by CDST & DDST. Results: A total of 325 out of 2912 isolates were positive for MBL production; of which 247 (11.42%) and 78(10.40%) were for Pseudomonas spp and Acinetobacter spp. respectively. Conclusion: MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii group are present in this institution, although in low prevalence. However, to prevent the increase in the incidence of these multidrug resistant organisms and to prevent their dissemination, it is important to detect them and make judicious use of antibiotics based on their susceptibility patterns.