Prevalence and comparison of Beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp from clinical and environmental sources in Lahore, Pakistan

Beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriacea is a significant problem all over the world. There is lot of research on worldwide distribution of this enzyme. We studied the prevalence of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella isolates from clinical and environmental sources. For selection of ESBL isolates criteria of standard clinical laboratory standard institute was followed. Result showed that E. coli is most common in ESBL producer following Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Citrobacter. E. coli is more prevalent in both hospitalized and community acquired infections. Females were more prone to infections caused by ESBL producers. Urinary tract infection was more common in females infected by ESBL producing isolates while pus was the commonest site of infection in males suffering from ESBL producing infections. Males of older age and females of reproductive age were more prone of infections caused by ESBL producers. In environmental source, sewage was most prevalent source of ESBL producers following soil and standing water. This gives the idea that the prevalence of this superbug in this part of the world is very high which needs special attention of the society.