Extended spectrum beta-lactamases among Gram-negative bacteria of nosocomial origin from an intensive care unit of a tertiary health facility in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Resistance to third generation cephalosporins due to acquisition and expression of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes among Gram-negative bacteria is on the increase. Presence of ESBL producing organisms has been reported to significantly affect the course and outcome of an infection. Therefore infections due to ESBL isolates continue to pose a challenge to infection management worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the existence and to describe phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of ESBLs in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting in Tanzania.

Methods

Between October 2002 and April 2003, clinical information and samples were collected from patients suspected to have nosocomial infections in an Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital i

SUBMITTER: Ndugulile F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1274314 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature