Study of the prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae from a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The increasing prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing enterobacteriaceae in many geographical regions and their potential for rapid dissemination has become a serious threat to public health. Thus, the present study was conducted to analyze the prevalence of MBL-producing enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Microbiology Department of a 330-bedded tertiary care hospital over a 5-month period, using clinical samples. Bacterial isolates were identified using the Vitek 2 compact system. All enterobacteriaceae isolates were checked for MBL production by the MBL E Test using MBL Ezy MIC™ Strips (HiMedia); and for carbapenem resistance using the Vitek 2 compact system. Results: The prevalence rate for MBL-producing enterobacteriaceae from the study was found to be 7.56%, of which the majority of isolates was detected in urine samples (76.92%). Although most of the MBL isolates were detected in samples from the wards (53.85%), a noteworthy number of isolates was also detected from the outpatient department (OPD;15.38%). Conclusion: Thus, the study shows a significant rate of MBL production among enterobacteriaceae isolated from hospitalized and OPD patients. This emphasizes the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship at the hospital and community level.