CEFTAZIDIME RESISTANCE AMONG KLEBSIELLA-PNEUMONIAE IN SOUTH-INDIA

Fifteen strains of K. pneumoniae resistant to ceftazidime were tested for extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production by double disc diffusion synergy test using ceftazidime and augmentin, and by testing for reduction in minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftazidime in c ombination with clavulanic acid. All strains were found to produce ESB L. We document the presence of ESBL producing strains in south India. There is a possibility of the spread of this resistance to other bacte ria because the resistance could be transferred to recipient Escherich ia coli from two strains.