Investigation of beta-lactase enzymes in chromosomal bacilli isolated from diarrhea in children

ABSTRACT Thirty clinical isolates of gram negative bacilli isolated from diarrhea cases in children aged 5 years were investigated for the presence of -lactamases, and it was found that 21 (70%) of them contain these enzymes. Fifteen positive isolates were selected for the detection of extended spectrum -lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC -lactamases. The results showed that eight (53.3%) of the tested isolates were ESBLs producers, and nine(60%) of them were potential producers of AmpC -lactamases. The enzymes were found more frequently in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates.