ABSTRACT
Background: Acquired drug resistance is reported in Pseudomonas spp by production of plasmid mediated AmpC beta (β)-lactamase, Extended Spectrum (β)-lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo beta (β)-lactamase (MBL) enzymes. Nosocomial infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are escalating and importantly the production of MBL is a matter of concern. Carbapenems, being the most potent and reserved drug for treating the infections cause by multi-drug resistant bacteria especially Pseudomonas spp is under threat due to the emergence of MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, the present study was undertaken to detect MBL producing Psedumonas aeruginosa isolated from different clinical samples of hospitalized patient. Methods: Psedumonas aeruginosa strains were obtained by standard isolation and identification techniques from various clinical samples of hospital. Strains were then subjected to susceptibility testing for anti-pseudomonas drugs as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines (year 2011). Carbapenems resistant strains were selected for the detection of MBL enzyme production by disc potentiation test. Production of MBL was confirmed by enhancement of inhibition zone around imipenem and meropenem discs impregnated with EDTA, as compared to discs without EDTA. Results: Amongst the 135 strains of P. aeruginosa isolated, 26 (19.26%) were found to be carbapenem resistant and 15 (11.11%) were found to be MBL producers. There was high prevalence of MBL enzyme amongst multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Study indicates that, surveillance for the detection of MBL is necessary. The rapid dissemination of MBL producers is worrisome and necessitates the implementation of proper and judicious selection of antibiotics especially carbapenem.