Emerging Carbapenem Resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajasthan.

Abstract

Introduction:Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are becoming a serious health problem. These bacteria cause many hospital infections and are difficult to treat because they are resistant to strong antibiotics. This leads to increased illness and death.Materials and Methods:This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study done over one year at a tertiary care center in Rajasthan. A total of 366 clinical samples were studied. The bacteria were identified and their antibiotic sensitivity was tested using standard laboratory methods.Results and Discussion:Out of 366 isolates, 202 (55.2%) were E. coli and 164 (44.8%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Most isolates were obtained from urine, pus, respiratory samples, and blood. Carbapenem resistance was seen in both organisms, but it was higher in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Resistance to important antibiotics like imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem shows the growing problem of drug resistance. Elderly patients were more commonly affected, suggesting age as an important risk factor. Also, more cases were seen in males (66.6%). These findings show that multidrug resistance is increasing and is a major concern in hospitals.Conclusion: This study shows a high level of carbapenem resistance among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Regular monitoring, proper infection control, and careful use of antibiotics are very important to control the spread of these resistant bacteria and to protect effective treatments.