Detection of AmpC β-lactamase producing bacteria isolated in neonatal sepsis

Objective: the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial profile of ampc β-lactamase producing bacteria. methods: the study was conducted at the children’s hospital and the institute of child health lahore,pakistan,during september 2011 to june 2012. a total number of 1,914 blood samples of suspected neonatal septicemia were processed. isolates were identified using gram’s staining,api 20e and api 20ne tests. gram negative isolates were screened for ampc β-lactamase production against ceftazidime,cefotaxime and cefoxitin resistance and confirmed by inhibitor based method. results: total number of 54 (8.49%) gram positive and 582 (91.5%) gram negative bacteria were identified. among gram negative isolates 141 (22%) were ampc producers and found to be 100% resistant to co-amoxiclav,cefoxitin,ceftazidime,cefotaxime,cefuroxime,cefixime,ceftriaxone,cefpodoxime,gentamicin,amikacin and aztreonam. less resistance was observed against cefepime (30.4%),sulbactamcefoperazone (24.8%),piperacillin-tazobactam (10.6%),ciprofloxacin (20.5%) and meropenem (2.1%). all the isolates were found sensitive to imipenem. the patients harbored ampc β-lactamases were on various interventions in which intravenous line was noted among (51.1%),naso-gastric tube (37.6%),ambu bag (8.5%),endotracheal tube (3.5%),ventilator (2.1%) and surgery (0.7%). conclusion: extensive use of invasive procedures and third generation cephalosporins should be restricted to avoid the emergence of ampc beta-lactamases in neonates. © 2016,professional medical publications. all rights reserved.