Phenotypic characterization of ESBL-producing urinary isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. in a tertiary care children's hospital in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: The production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among uropathogens, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella spp., poses a severe public health concern. This study explored the epidemiology of ESBL-producing E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from urine samples obtained at a tertiary care children's hospital in Nepal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2016 to February 2017. A total of 745 clean catch urine samples were obtained from pediatric patients under the age of 13 and subjected to semiquantitative culture. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were identified using standard laboratory protocols. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and ESBL producers were phenotypically identified using the combined disk method. RESULTS: Among the bacterial isolates, E. coli predominated, accounting for 139 (81.8%) positive cases. Notably, E. coli showed high susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, with 117 (84.2%) isolates being susceptible. Meanwhile, K. pneumoniae showed high susceptibility to gentamicin, with 21 (91.3%) isolates being susceptible. Of the 163 isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp., 62 (38.0%) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 42 (25.8%) confirmed as phenotypic ESBL producers. Remarkably, all 41 (100%) ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were susceptible to imipenem. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL producers among E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from pediatric patients underscores the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Nitrofurantoin and gentamicin emerge as effective empirical treatment choices against these pathogens in children. However, the high rates of multidrug resistance and ESBL production highlight the necessity for routine surveillance, and early detection strategies to manage such infections effectively.

Biofilm Production and Antimicrobial Resistance among Uropathogens in Pediatric Cases: a Hospital Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed to provide account of etiological agents of urinary tract infection in pediatric patients and the antimicrobial resistance pattern plus biofilm producing profile of the isolates. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted in Alka Hospital, Nepal with 353 clean catch urine samples from children. It was obtained during July 2014 to January 2015 which were first cultured by semi-quantitative method, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and biofilm production assay on Congo red agar. Multidrug- resistance, extensively drug- resistance and pandrug- resistance among isolates were considered as per international consensus. RESULTS: Out of 353 samples, 64 (18.13%) showed positive growth in culture, confirming urinary tract infection. E. coli, 44 (68.8%) was the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella spp. 6 (14.1%). Most E. coli were sensitive to amikacin (93.2%) followed by nitrofurantoin (86.4%), and highly resistant to ampicillin (95.5%). Of 64 isolates, 23 (35.93%) were found to be multidrug- resistant strains. Biofilm was produced by 36 (56.25%) isolates. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed higher biofilm production and resistance to in-use antibiotics rendering ineffective for empirical use. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns should be done to regulate multidrug- resistant bugs and to ensure effective management of urinary tract infection in children in a tertiary care setups.

A hospital based surveillance of metallo-beta-lactamase producing gram negative bacteria in Nepal by imipenem-EDTA disk method.

BACKGROUND: A rising threat of the rapid spread of acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among major Gram-negative pathogens is a matter of public health concern worldwide. Hence, for a low income nation like Nepal, surveillance data on MBL producing clinical isolates via a cost effective technique is necessary to prevent their dissemination as well as formulation and regulation of antimicrobial stewardship policy. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted at Nepal Medical College, Kathmandu from May to October, 2014 to assess the prevalence of MBL production among ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative rods (GNRs) isolates. The samples were processed according to standard microbiological procedure following the Manual of clinical Microbiology. Isolated GNRs were subjected to susceptibility testing against the selected panel of antibiotics by Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion method and interpretation made in conformity with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Ceftazidime-resistant isolates were subjected to the detection of MBL production by imipenem-EDTA combined disc (CD) method. RESULTS: Among the Gram-negative isolates, 5.80% (21/362) were found to be MBL positive with Acinetobacter spp. showing the highest prevalence i.e. 85.71% (18/21), followed by P. aeruginosa i.e. 14.29% (3/21). None of the other cefazidime resistant gram negative bacteria tested were found to be positive for MBL production with all the positive isolates determined to be Multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a higher rate of resistance among P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. to a wide variety of antibiotic categories with an additional burden of MBL production within them, warranting a need for strict surveillance and rapid detection of MBL production among the GNRs.

Cyclospora Infection among School Children in Kathmandu, Nepal: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal coccidian protozoa Cyclospora cayetanensis has emerged as an important cause of parasitic diarrhea among children living in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cyclospora among the school children of Kathmandu with reference to various associated risk factors. METHODOLOGY: A total of five hundred and seven stool samples from students between the age of 3-14 years, studying in 13 different schools in Kathmandu were collected during the study period (May-November, 2014) and processed at the Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. A modified acid fast staining technique (Kinyoun's method) was used to detect oocyst of Cyclospora from the formal-ether concentrated stool samples. RESULTS: Cyclospora was detected in 3.94% (20/507) of the stool samples examined. The prevalence was found to be highest among the students in the 3-5 year age group i.e. 10.15% (13/128), peaking during the rainy season (June-August). The detection rate was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) among children presenting with diarrheal symptoms, household keeping livestock and consumers of raw vegetables/fruits, showing a prevalence of 10.57% (11/104), 10.11% (9/89) and 7.25% (14/193) respectively. CONCLUSION: Consumption of untreated drinking water, fresh produce (raw fruits/vegetables) without proper washing and the presence of livestock at home were found to be predisposing factors for higher susceptibility of infection due to Cyclospora. This finding confirms the existence of a public-health issue with potentially serious consequences whereby children can be infected through exposure to oocysts in contaminated food and water and get ill as a result.