Metallobetalactamase Producing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: An
Emerging Threat To Clinicians
2691-2696
Correspondence
Dr. S. Basak. M.D. Professor of Microbiology
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College,
Wardha(M.S.) 442004
E mail: drsilpibasak@gmail.com
In recent years, carbapenem resistance due to the production of metallobetalactamase (MBL) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram negative bacilli have been reported worldwide. Metallobetalactamase producing P. aeruginosa constitute nearly 20% of all nosocomial isolates. The present study was undertaken to detect the prevalence of metallobetalactamase producing P. aeruginosa in our hospital and to evaluate an easy, but specific test for the detection of metallobetalactamase production so that it would be feasible for our laboratory.
A total number of 140 P. aeruginosa strains which were isolated from different clinicalspecimens were studied. An antibiotic susceptibility test with antipseudomonal antibiotics was done as per CLSI guidelines. Imipenem resistant isolates were screened for carbapenem hydrolysis by the Hodge test and the modified Hodge test. Metallobetalactamase production was detected by the double disk synergy test (DDST) and the disk potentiation test.
Out of 140 P. aeruginosa strains, 18 (12.9%) were imipenem resistant. Amongst these 18 strains, 16(88.8%) were Hodge test and modified Hodge test positive and all 16 were found to be metallobetalactamase producers by the DDST and the disk potentiation tests.
We hereby conclude that the detection of metallobetalactamase producing P. aeruginosa strains by the disk potentiation test should be introduced in any clinical Microbiology laboratory in order to aid infection control.