Author/Authors :
Baba Ahmed, Z. University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd - Laboratory “Antibiotics-Antifungals”, Algeria , Ayad, A. University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd - Laboratory “Antibiotics-Antifungals”, Algeria , Mesli, E. University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd - Laboratory “Antibiotics-Antifungals”, Algeria , Messai, Y. University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumédiène - Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algeria , Bakour, R. University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumédiène - Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Algeria , Drissi, M. University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd - Laboratory “Antibiotics-Antifungals”, Algeria
Abstract :
The aim of this study was to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in Enterobacteriaceae isolates in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Tlemcen hospital in north-western Algeria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, characterization of ESBL-encoding genes and the genetic environment, conjugation experiments and plasmid analysis were carried out. In all, 28 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were isolated from specimens recovered from patients in the ICU and 2 from surfaces of the unit. Of these, 11 isolates (4 Escherichia coli, 5 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 2 Enterobacter cloacae) produced ESBL of the CT-X-M-15 type. Molecular typing of the isolates showed the clonal nature of 4 K. pneumoniae isolates. The blaCTXM-15 gene was genetically linked to insertion sequence ISEcp1B and was transferable by conjugation from 3 isolates. Regular monitoring of resistance mechanisms, the establishment of a prevention strategy, and more rational and appropriate use of antibiotics are needed.
