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Cephaloridine resistance in gram-negative bacteria isolated in Scotland
A J Reid1, I N Simpson, P B Harper
1Department of Bacteriology, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
The incidence of cephaloridine resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC greater than 8 mg L-1) in isolates from urinary tract infections was 45.1% in Glasgow, 22.6% in Dundee and 25.9% in Edinburgh. The incidence of ampicillin resistance (MIC greater than 8 mg L-1) was even higher:- being 45.2% in Dundee and 48.5% in Edinburgh. In Glasgow, the incidence was 71.9% which is the highest proportion of ampicillin resistance reported in the United Kingdom. The cephaloridine resistant strains were examined for beta-lactamase production. Amongst these strains 50.8% produced only a chromosomal beta-lactamase, whereas 47.9% produced beta-lactamases which were potentially plasmid-mediated on the basis of biochemical tests. Only 1% of the resistant strains produced no detectable beta-lactamase.
Insights
High rates of cephaloridine and ampicillin resistance were found in urinary tract infection isolates across Scotland. Beta-lactamase production, including plasmid-mediated types, was common among resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to effective treatment.
- Cephaloridine and ampicillin are commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs, making resistance to these agents a key concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of cephaloridine and ampicillin resistance in UTI isolates from three Scottish cities.
- To investigate the mechanisms of resistance, specifically beta-lactamase production, in cephaloridine-resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for cephaloridine and ampicillin.
- Resistant isolates were further analyzed for beta-lactamase production using biochemical tests.
Main Results:
- Cephaloridine resistance ranged from 22.6% to 45.1% across Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
- Ampicillin resistance was notably high, reaching 71.9% in Glasgow, the highest reported in the UK.
- Among cephaloridine-resistant strains, 50.8% produced chromosomal beta-lactamase, and 47.9% produced potentially plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases.
Conclusions:
- Significant levels of cephaloridine and ampicillin resistance exist in UTI pathogens in Scotland.
- Beta-lactamase production is a prevalent mechanism contributing to cephaloridine resistance in these isolates.
- The high ampicillin resistance rates, particularly in Glasgow, warrant urgent attention and potential changes in antibiotic prescribing strategies.