DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2018.v06i02.006

Pages: 167-170

Multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram negative infections have resulted in high rates of morbidity and mortality in patients with diverse clinical conditions. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenamase (KPC)-producing bacteria is one of the emerging MDR pathogens causing bacteremia with limited therapeutic options such as colistin and tigecycline. An investigational laboratory based study was conducted (over 1 year) to know the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacteria from blood culture isolates. Blood culture samples were processed and Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing as per CLSI (clinical and laboratory standard institute) guidelines. The isolates were confirmed by automated identification system (BD phoenix). Hundred & ten such isolates were enrolled in the study. The production of carbapenamase was detected by blue carba test and modified Hodge test. A comparative evaluation of the two tests was also done. The majority of the 110 pts were newborn (62%). A total of 16 (14.54%) isolates were positive for carbapenamase production by blue carba test and 12 (11%) by Modified Hodge test. The most sensitive drug for all carbapenamase producing isolates were colistin and polymyxin B (100% each). MDR KPC was detected to be important organism in NICU and post-surgical patients for enhanced morbidity & mortality. The clinicians are faced with the dilemma as to how to control nosocomial spread of this organism in ICU as there are limited therapeutic options available. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate new detection methods for carbapenamase detection & blue carba test is a simple, rapid and sensitive test for their detection.