Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Pathogens: Insights from Clinical Isolates

This study investigates the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens in a regional tertiary care hospital. A retrospective analysis of 444 clinical isolates from various specimen types was conducted, focusing on resistance to commonly used antibiotics and the presence of blaTEM and blaSHV genes. The study found a 30.63% ESBL prevalence, with higher rates among the elderly and in specimens such as endotracheal secretions and cerebrospinal fluid. Imipenem (IPM) showed the highest resistance rate (45.27%), while ceftriaxone (CTR), cefotaxime (CTX), and ceftazidime (CAZ) exhibited moderate resistance (~21-25%). Gentamicin (GEN) and streptomycin (S) showed no resistance. Molecular analysis revealed a high prevalence of blaTEM and blaSHV genes, often co-occurring within the same isolates. The findings highlight the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship programs, continuous surveillance, and alternative therapeutic strategies to combat rising antibiotic resistance.