Phenotypic Detection of Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A CrossSectional Study

Background: The development of isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli that produce metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) is a serious problem in clinical microbiology because of their resistance to carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics. For these illnesses to be properly managed, quick and accurate identification techniques are essential. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over two years at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. A total of 10,320 clinical specimens were analyzed, yielding 480 non-duplicate isolates of E. coli (260) and K. pneumoniae (220). Imipenem resistance was screened using a 10-µg disk, and MBL production was detected using CDT and E-test. Results: imipenem resistance was found in 168 (35%) of the 480 isolates, including 72 (15%) K. pneumoniae and 96 (20%) E. coli. In 80 (47.62%) of the isolates that were imipenem-resistant, MBL production was verified. 37% of K. pneumoniae and 42% of E. coli had MBL identified by CDT, whereas the E-test had somewhat higher detection rates (41.66% and 48%, respectively). Conclusion: This study highlights the growing prevalence of MBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae in clinical settings. The E-test showed superior sensitivity compared to CDT, making it a more reliable method for MBL detection. Routine screening and confirmation of MBL production are essential for implementing effective infection control measures and guiding antimicrobial therapy.