Phenotypic Insights Into Beta-Lactamase-Mediated Multidrug Resistance In Escherichia Coli Clinical Isolates

Authors

  • Soma Kanta Baral Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal & Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7244-6501
  • Abinash Dhakal Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Rabindra Prasad Timilsina Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Krishna Das Manandhar Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Pramod Poudel Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v10i1.77748

Keywords:

MDR E. coli, ESBL, MBL, AmpC

Abstract

Introduction: The global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is largely attributed to the production of β-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), and AmpC β-lactamases. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of β-lactamase-producing MDR Escherichia coli isolates and assess their antibiotic resistance profiles.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (November 2021–April 2022) at Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. Clinical samples were processed using standard microbiological techniques to isolate E. coli. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Phenotypic detection of ESBL, MBL, and AmpC β-lactamases was performed using the combined disk method.

Results: Out of 127 E. coli isolates, 55 (43.3%) were identified as MDR. Among these, 26 (47.3%) expressed β-lactamase activity: AmpC (34.54%), MBL (7.27%), and ESBL (5.45%). No co-existence of β-lactamases was observed. High resistance was noted against amoxicillin (100%), cefixime (90.9%), and cotrimoxazole (85.5%), whereas amikacin (90.9%) and meropenem (89.0%) showed strong effectiveness.

Conclusion: AmpC β-lactamase was the predominant resistance mechanism among MDR E. coli isolates. Early detection of β-lactamase production is crucial for effective infection control and to curb the spread of MDR pathogens.

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Published

2025-04-28

How to Cite

Baral, S. K., Dhakal, A., Timilsina, R. P., Manandhar, K. D., & Poudel, P. (2025). Phenotypic Insights Into Beta-Lactamase-Mediated Multidrug Resistance In Escherichia Coli Clinical Isolates. Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, 10(1), 51–54. https://doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v10i1.77748

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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