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Background: The burden of non-communicable diseases has increased in the last few decades in low-and middle-income countries including in Nepal. There is limited data on population based prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Hence, this study aims to determine the nationwide prevalence of selected chronic non-communicable diseases in Nepal.Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional population-based study was conducted from 2016 to 2018. Data was collected electronically on android device inbuilt with research and monitoring software from 13200 eligible participants aged 20 years and above. Data was cleaned in SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed using Stata version 13.1.Results: The overall prevalence of selected non-communicable diseases was found to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 11.7% (95% CI: 10.5-12.9), diabetes mellitus 8.5% (95% CI: 7.8-9.3), chronic kidney disease 6.0% (95% CI: 5.5-6.6) and coronary artery disease 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4-3.4) in Nepal. Prevalence of non-communicable diseases varied across provinces. Higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.1%, 95% CI: 18.1-33.8) in Karnali Province, diabetes (11.5%, 95% CI: 9.8-13.4) in Province 3, chronic kidney disease (6.8%, 95% CI: 5.6-8.1) in Gandaki Province and coronary artery disease in Gandaki (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.2-5.7) and Sudurpaschim Province (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.1-6.1) was observed.Conclusions: The study reported substantial proportion of adult population was found to have chronic non-communicable diseases in Nepal. The findings of this study may be useful for revising/updating multi-sectoral action plans on prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Nepal. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; coronary artery disease; diabetes mellitus; non-communicable disease.

Background: Bacterial biofilm is a major virulence factor that posses a threat to patients leading to chronic infections. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biofilm production as well as their inhibition and reduction. This study was an attempt to investigate biofilm production among gram-negative isolates and assessment of inhibitory and reduction potential of EDTA and DMSO towards them and also observe the antimicrobial resistance pattern among biofilm producers and biofilm non-producer. Methods: Isolation and identification of bacterial isolates were performed by standard microbiological methodology. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and β-lactamases by the combination disk method. Biofilm formation was detected through Tissue Culture Plate(TCP) method, and different concentrations of EDTA and DMSO were used to determine their inhibitory and reduction property against biofilm. Both inhibition and reduction by the various concentration of EDTA and DMSO were analyzed using paired t-test. Results: Among the 110 clinical isolates 61.8% were found to be Multidrug resistance(MDR) with the 33 (30%) produced Extended-spectrum β-lactamases(ESBL), 16 (14.5%)Metalloβ-lactamases(MBL) and 9 (8%)Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase(KPC). Biofilm formation was detected in 35.4% of isolates. Biofilm producing organisms showed antibiotics resistance to Cephalosporins, Chloramphenicol, Gentamycin, and Carbapenem. The inhibition and reduction of biofilm were significantly lower (p

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae which are commonly recognized in laboratory are termed as classical K. pneumoniae (cKP). A new strain of K. pneumoniae named hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP) emerging with a distinctive feature than classical strains. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae in our hospital and their phenotypic comparison with the classical strains.Methods : This laboratory-based cross-sectional study done from February to July 2018, in the Department of Microbiology, Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. One hundred and five clinical non-duplicative isolates of K. pneumoniae proceeded for the study. Hypermucoviscosity of isolated K. pneumoniae were tested by standard String test. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Further β-lactamases (ESBL, MBL, and KPC) were detected by the phenotypic combination disk test method. Serum resistance and biofilm production were determined to assess their virulence.Results: A total of one hundred five non-repetitive pure and microbiologically identified K. pneumoniae were taken for study. Among the isolated K. pneumoniae, 29 (27.6%) were hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP) and 76(72.4%) were classical K. pneumoniae (cKP) determined by string test. The majority of K. pneumoniae were resistant to ceftazidime (80%) and cefotaxime (78%) whereas all the isolates were found susceptible to polymyxin b and colistin. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBLs) production, Metallo-beta lactamase (MBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) production, biofilm, and serum resistance were compared among classical and hypermucoviscos strains and the hypermucoviscous strains revealed significantly higher expression of virulence than classical strainsConclusion: The expression of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance was found significantly higher among the hypermucoviscous strains when phenotypically compared. The prevalence of these hypermucoviscous strains in hospital settings may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies are crucial.

Anjila Maharjan,1 Anjeela Bhetwal,1 Shreena Shakya,1 Deepa Satyal,1 Shashikala Shah,1 Govardhan Joshi,1,2 Puspa Raj Khanal,1 Narayan Prasad Parajuli1,3 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal; 2Kathmandu Center for Genomics and Research Laboratory (KCGRL), Kathmandu, Nepal; 3Department of Clinical Laboratory Services, Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal Background: Fecal carriage of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is one of the important risk factors for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this report, we examined the prevalence of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing common enterobacterial strains colonizing the intestinal tract of apparently healthy adults in Kathmandu, Nepal.Methods: During a 6-month period (February–July 2016), a total of 510 stool specimens were obtained from apparently healthy students of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal. Stool specimens were cultured, and the most common enterobacterial isolates (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests according to the standard microbiologic guidelines. Multidrug-resistant isolates were selected for ESBL confirmation by combined disk test and E-test methods. Molecular characterization of plasmid-borne ESBL genes was performed by using specific primers of cefotaximase Munich (CTX-M), sulfhydryl variant (SHV), and temoniera (TEM) by polymerase chain reaction.Results: Among 510 bacterial strains, E. coli (432, 84.71%) was the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella oxytoca (48, 9.41%) and K. pneumoniae (30, 5.88%). ESBLs were isolated in 9.8% of the total isolates including K. oxytoca (29.17%), E. coli (7.87%), and K. pneumoniae (6.67%). Among ESBLs, bla-TEM was the predominant type (92%) followed by bla-CTX-M (60%) and bla-SHV (4%).Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing enterobacterial commensal strains among healthy individuals are of serious concern. Persistent carriage of ESBL organisms in healthy individuals suggests the possibility of sustained ESBL carriage among the diseased and hospitalized patients. We recommend similar types of epidemiologic surveys in larger communities and in hospital settings to ascertain the extent of ESBL resistance. Keywords: healthy adults, intestinal carriage, ESBL, CTX-M, TEM, SHV, Nepal

Background: Worldwide, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is estimated to be 70% among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM and MetS are associated with abnormal liver enzyme levels, which can be the result of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma or acute liver failure. The present study investigated the association between transaminases and MetS in T2DM patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over the period of 6 months among 540 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. The diagnosis of MetS was based on International Diabetes Federation (IDF), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and Harmonized definition 2009. Association between metabolic components and liver enzymes was established by crude and adjusted logistic regression analysis. Results: Overall, the prevalence of elevated enzyme levels was 58.9% for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 42.2% for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and 59.4% for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The presence of MetS was 23.3%, 36.1% and 51.9% according to NCEP ATP III, IDF and Harmonized criteria, respectively. In the binary logistic regression analysis, waist circumference > 102 cm (M) or > 88 cm (F) was only independently associated with all three elevated liver enzymes, odds ratio (OR) = 4.172 for ALT, OR = 2.795 for AST and OR = 0.245 for GGT. When all three criteria were entered for multivariate risk analysis, only the NCEP ATP III (+) was found to be associated independently with raised all three liver enzymes. Conclusion: Central obesity and MetS following NCEPATP III criteria were independently associated with elevated ALT, AST and GGT in our diabetic population. Clinicians may consider hepatic complication as a negligible component in T2DM. The present findings may encourage more attention.

Background: Hyperuricemia is associated with type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies resulting from defects in insulin action. The present study wascarried out to look for any association between uric acid and Type II Diabetes Mellitus and also status of triacylglycerol level among those patients. Methods : The blood samples were collected 100 diabetic and 100 non-diabetic individuals in the department of biochemistry and then analyzed for estimation of blood glucose, Uric Acid and Triacylglycerol level. Results: The average level of serum uric acid in diabetic patients was higher (5.706±1.617) in comparison to non diabetic subjects (4.322±0.784) with statistically significant difference (p≤0.05). For female the result indicate there was a positive correlation between (FBS and triglycerides) and (triglycerides and uric acids) which was statistically significant ( r =-0.465, n = 41, p = 0.002) and( r =-0.370, n = 41, p = 0.017) respectively. Conclusions: This study documents that hyperuricemia is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the serum triacylglycerol and serum uric acid is also found to be associated risk factors for diabetic complications. Hence, timely diagnosis and management of diabetes is vital to control the complications related to diabetes. Ann. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(1); 26-34

Background Emergence of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections (UTI) among pediatric patients is an increasing problem worldwide. However, very little is known about pediatric urinary tract infections and antimicrobial resistance trend from Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the current antibiotic resistance rate and ESBL production among uropathogenic Escherichia coli in pediatric patients of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal. Methods A total of 5,484 urinary tract specimens from children suspected with UTI attending a teaching hospital of Nepal over a period of one year were processed for the isolation of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Escherichia coli (n = 739), the predominant isolate in pediatric UTI, was further selected for the detection of ESBL-production by phenotypic combination disk diffusion test. Results Incidence of urinary tract infection among pediatric patients was found to be 19.68% and E coli (68.4%) was leading pathogen involved. Out of 739 E coli isolates, 64.9% were multidrug resistant (MDR) and 5% were extensively drug resistant (XDR). Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) was detected in 288 (38.9%) of the E coli isolates. Conclusion Alarming rate of drug resistance among pediatric uropathogens and high rate of ESBL-producing E. coli was observed. It is extremely necessary to routinely investigate the drug resistance among all isolates and formulate strict antibiotics prescription policy in our country.

Enteric fever continues to be an important public health problem especially in developing countries of the tropical region including Nepal. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of enteric fever associated withSalmonella entericaand determine its antimicrobial susceptibilities to therapeutic antimicrobials in a community based teaching hospital of Nepal. A total of 2,304 blood samples from suspected enteric fever patients attending Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital were processed with standard microbiological methods for the isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens. TheSalmonella entericaclinical strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, and the results were interpreted according to the criteria suggested by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). A total of 245 (10.6%) cases of enteric fever associated withSalmonella entericawere confirmed by blood culture. Out of them, 162 (66.1%) were caused bySalmonellaTyphi and 83 (33.9%) bySalmonellaParatyphi. On Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing,Salmonellaisolates were highly susceptible to cefixime (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), ampicillin (97.9%), cotrimoxazole (94.6%), azithromycin (96.7%), tetracycline (95.5%), and chloramphenicol (97.5%), respectively. Two hundred twenty-six (92.2%) ofSalmonellaisolates were nalidixic acid resistant with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (36.7%) and ofloxacin (54.8%), respectively. Although the rate of MDRSalmonellastrains was very low (

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are among the significant causes of morbidity and mortality for patients of all age groups. However, very little is known about the trends of bacterial bloodstream infections and antimicrobial susceptibilities among pediatric and adult population from Nepal. In this study, we have investigated the different etiological agents responsible for bloodstream infections among pediatric and adult patients and the role of drug resistant organisms in these infections at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 3,088 blood culture specimens obtained from pediatric and adult patients suspected to have bloodstream infections were processed by standard microbiological methods. Significant bacterial pathogens were identified by morphological, biochemical, and serological methods as suggested by American Society for Microbiology. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Overall, incidence of bloodstream infections among the suspected patients was 7.48%. Pediatric patients (n=90, 9.37%) were the significant subgroup of patients affected with bloodstream infections compared to adults (p<0.05, CI-95%). Gram positive (n=49, 54.4%) bacteria in pediatric and gram negative bacteria (n=141, 78.7%) in adult patients were the most common isolates for BSI.Staphylococcus aureus(n=41, 45.6%) in pediatric patients andSalmonella enterica(n=40, 28.3%) in adult patients were the leading pathogens. Trends of antimicrobial resistance among isolated bacterial strains were significantly high in adults compared to pediatric patients. Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) (31.4%), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (12.5%), and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) (3.9%) producing gram negatives were major resistant strains. Our study shows higher rates of bloodstream infections in pediatric patients compared to adult patients. Alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance among blood culture isolates is a serious issue. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and rational antimicrobial therapy are extremely needed.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram negative saprophytic bacterium, prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. Infections caused by C. violaceum are very uncommon, yet it can cause severe systemic infections with higher mortality when entered into the bloodstream through open wound. A case of symptomatic bacteremia in a woman caused by C. violaceum was identified recently at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nepal. Timely diagnosis by microbiological methods and rapid administration of antimicrobials led to a successful treatment of this life-threatening infection in this case. From this experience, we suggest to include this bacterium in the differential diagnosis of sepsis, especially when abraded skin is exposed to soil or stagnant water in tropical areas. The precise antimicrobial selection and timely administration should be considered when this infection is suspected.

Introduction. Infections due to extended spectrumβ-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae are on the rise. They pose serious public health problems due to their resistance to large number of antibiotics. However, little is known about the genotypes of ESBL from Nepal. Therefore, the study presents results of phenotypic and molecular characterization of ESBL producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiellaspp. isolated from various clinical specimens in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal.Methods. A total of 172 Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates recovered from various clinical specimens were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility test. Detection of ESBLs was carried out using combination disk test and multiplex PCR for their genotypes (CTX-M, SHV, and TEM).Results. Out of 172 clinical isolates, 70 (40.6%) of them were found ESBL producers. The major source of ESBL producers was urinary tract samples and the highest ESBL production was observed inEscherichia coli(46.5%). Among ESBL genotypes, CTX-M (91.4%) was most predominant, followed by TEM (65.7%) and SHV (11.4%) in both of the isolates.Conclusions. High level of drug resistance and ESBL production was observed among the clinical isolates. There is a need for longitudinal and nationwide surveillance for drug resistance in clinical isolates and antimicrobial stewardship is necessary to guide the appropriate and judicious antibiotic use.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mutually and bidirectionally linked with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of which it is both the cause and the consequences. Worldwide, 6.3 to 33% of the general populations are estimated to suffer from the disease with even higher prevalence in the group sharing metabolic co-morbidities. Hence, this study aims to recognize various risk factors including metabolic components and blood parameters to predict the possible incidence of the disease. Methods Total of 429 (219 NAFLD and 210 control) subjects were conveniently selected for study during the period of 9 months. Diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was done by liver imaging and based on liver enzymes. Assessment of metabolic syndrome was done by International Diabetic Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. All biochemical and hematological parameters and liver enzymes were estimated by using standard guideline. Mean comparison of quantitative data in different groups were performed using analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). Risk estimation of NAFLD associated with each character was verified by Chi-square test. Results There was significant high levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and lipid profiles in NAFLD patients in comparison to control population (p

Bashu Dev Pardhe, Sabala Pathak, Anjeela Bhetwal, Sumitra Ghimire, Shreena Shakya, Puspa Raj Khanal, Sujan Babu Marahatta Department of Laboratory Medicine, Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal Background: Osteoporosis, a common disease worldwide, is characterized by low bone mass and architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and increase in fracture risks. Both menopause and aging are related factors leading to greater risk of bone disease, particularly among postmenopausal women. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in biochemical markers of bone turnover and to evaluate the association of hormones and age-related factors with biochemical markers between pre- and postmenopausal women.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months among the female population of Dholahity community, Lalitpur, Nepal. A total of 496 healthy women were selected based on the questionnaire strategy. Among them, 244 were premenopausal and 252 were postmenopausal women. Different bone markers were evaluated as per the guideline provided by the reagent manufacturer, and hormonal assay, particularly estradiol level assessment, was performed by chemiluminescence immunoassay-based technique.Results: A significant decrease in serum calcium level and estradiol level was observed in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women, whereas a significant increase in serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels was seen among postmenopausal (p

Bacteriophages are being the subject of interest for alternative antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases in recent years. Therapeutic effectiveness regarding phage therapy is a matter of concern since it is the most promising biological treatment of this era. Hence, the present study was aimed to isolate the potential bacteriophages present in river water samples and to analyze their host range among clinical strains of bacteria. Ten different locations of Kathmandu valley were selected for the collection of river water for the detection of probable phages. Bacteriophages were isolated from water samples using the double agar overlay method. Isolated phages were purified by diluting in the SM-buffer and filtering through 0.22 μm filter. Purified lysate was further processed for analyzing its host range by using spot method. Their host range was characterized against 20 bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant. Total 67 different phages were isolated against 8 different host organisms. Out of them, forty-seven phages were selected for analyzing its host range. Among them, Serratia phages (ΦSER) had the broad host range infecting 17 different bacterial strains including multidrug-resistant harboring ESBL and MBL genotypes. However, Klebsiella phages (ΦKP) had narrow host range in comparison to other phages. Isolated phages had the potential effect against clinical strains of bacteria along with their broader host spectrum. Most importantly, promising effect against MDR pathogens in this study has raised the probable chances of the utility of these phages for biological control of bacterial infection including MBL and ESBL strains.

Enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica is a life-threatening systemic illness of gastrointestinal tract especially in tropical countries. Antimicrobial therapy is generally indicated but resistance towards commonly used antibiotics has limited their therapeutic usefulness. Therefore, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern by minimum inhibitory concentration method of common therapeutic regimens against Salmonella enterica from enteric fever clinical cases. Salmonella enterica clinical isolates recovered from the patients with suspected enteric fever whose blood samples were submitted to microbiology laboratory of Manmohan Memorial Community Hospital, Kathmandu, from March 2016 to August 2016, were studied. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against common therapeutic antimicrobials by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, and cefixime was determined by Agar dilution method based on the latest CLSI protocol. A total of 88 isolates of Salmonella enterica were recovered from blood samples of enteric fever cases. Out of them, 74 (84.09%) were Salmonella Typhi and 14 (15.91%) were Salmonella Paratyphi A. On Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing, entire isolates were susceptible to cotrimoxazole, cefixime, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and chloramphenicol. Sixty-four (72.7%) Salmonella enterica isolates were nalidixic acid resistant and nonsusceptible to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. On MIC determination, four Salmonella isolates were ciprofloxacin resistant with MIC 1 µg/ml and two isolates were ciprofloxacin intermediate with MIC 0.5 µg/ml. The MIC range of azithromycin was from 0.125 µg/ml to 2.0 µg/ml, whereas that for chloramphenicol was 2.0 µg/ml–8.0 µg/ml and for cefixime was 0.0075–0.5 µg/ml, respectively. Despite global surge of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella enterica clinical isolates, the level of drug resistance in our study was not so high. However, higher level of NARST strains limits therapeutic use of fluoroquinolones and necessitates the routine monitoring of such resistance determinants in order to effectively and rationally manage enteric fever cases.

Enteric fever caused bySalmonella entericais a life-threatening systemic illness of gastrointestinal tract especially in tropical countries. Antimicrobial therapy is generally indicated but resistance towards commonly used antibiotics has limited their therapeutic usefulness. Therefore, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern by minimum inhibitory concentration method of common therapeutic regimens againstSalmonella entericafrom enteric fever clinical cases.Salmonella entericaclinical isolates recovered from the patients with suspected enteric fever whose blood samples were submitted to microbiology laboratory of Manmohan Memorial Community Hospital, Kathmandu, from March 2016 to August 2016, were studied. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against common therapeutic antimicrobials by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, and cefixime was determined by Agar dilution method based on the latest CLSI protocol. A total of 88 isolates ofSalmonella entericawere recovered from blood samples of enteric fever cases. Out of them, 74 (84.09%) wereSalmonellaTyphi and 14 (15.91%) wereSalmonellaParatyphi A. On Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing, entire isolates were susceptible to cotrimoxazole, cefixime, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and chloramphenicol. Sixty-four (72.7%)Salmonella entericaisolates were nalidixic acid resistant and nonsusceptible to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. On MIC determination, fourSalmonellaisolates were ciprofloxacin resistant with MIC 1 µg/ml and two isolates were ciprofloxacin intermediate with MIC 0.5 µg/ml. The MIC range of azithromycin was from 0.125 µg/ml to 2.0 µg/ml, whereas that for chloramphenicol was 2.0 µg/ml–8.0 µg/ml and for cefixime was 0.0075–0.5 µg/ml, respectively. Despite global surge of antimicrobial resistance amongSalmonella entericaclinical isolates, the level of drug resistance in our study was not so high. However, higher level of NARST strains limits therapeutic use of fluoroquinolones and necessitates the routine monitoring of such resistance determinants in order to effectively and rationally manage enteric fever cases.

Shigellosis is an acute infectious disease characterized as severe bloody diarrhea (dysentery) and is accountable for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality especially in children under the age of 5 years. Antimicrobial therapy is required in the cases of severe dysentery associated with Shigella. However, emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of Shigella spp. over the last two decades has restricted the use of common therapeutic antimicrobials. In MDR strains, the third-generation cephalosporins have been used for the treatment, but, unfortunately, emerging reports of enzyme mediated β-lactam resistance among Shigella isolates from various parts of the world have greatly compromised the therapy of pediatric dysentery. In Nepal, drug resistant strains of Shigella spp. have been reported, but MDR and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains were previously unknown. Here, we report two Shigella flexneri isolates harboring ESBL genotype-CTX-M associated with acute dysentery in two siblings which were presented and treated in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal.

This paper was temporarily withdrawn on 28th May 2014 due to a number of errors in the final version of the paper.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v1i2.9905 Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013; 26-37

Background Emergence of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections (UTI) among pediatric patients is an increasing problem worldwide. However, very little is known about pediatric urinary tract infections and antimicrobial resistance trend from Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the current antibiotic resistance rate and ESBL production among uropathogenic Escherichia coli in pediatric patients of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal. Methods A total of 5,484 urinary tract specimens from children suspected with UTI attending a teaching hospital of Nepal over a period of one year were processed for the isolation of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Escherichia coli (n = 739), the predominant isolate in pediatric UTI, was further selected for the detection of ESBL-production by phenotypic combination disk diffusion test. Results Incidence of urinary tract infection among pediatric patients was found to be 19.68% and E coli (68.4%) was leading pathogen involved. Out of 739 E coli isolates, 64.9% were multidrug resistant (MDR) and 5% were extensively drug resistant (XDR). Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) was detected in 288 (38.9%) of the E coli isolates. Conclusion Alarming rate of drug resistance among pediatric uropathogens and high rate of ESBL-producing E. coli was observed. It is extremely necessary to routinely investigate the drug resistance among all isolates and formulate strict antibiotics prescription policy in our country.

Introduction. Infections due to extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae are on the rise. They pose serious public health problems due to their resistance to large number of antibiotics. However, little is known about the genotypes of ESBL from Nepal. Therefore, the study presents results of phenotypic and molecular characterization of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from various clinical specimens in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal. Methods. A total of 172 Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates recovered from various clinical specimens were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility test. Detection of ESBLs was carried out using combination disk test and multiplex PCR for their genotypes (CTX-M, SHV, and TEM). Results. Out of 172 clinical isolates, 70 (40.6%) of them were found ESBL producers. The major source of ESBL producers was urinary tract samples and the highest ESBL production was observed in Escherichia coli (46.5%). Among ESBL genotypes, CTX-M (91.4%) was most predominant, followed by TEM (65.7%) and SHV (11.4%) in both of the isolates. Conclusions. High level of drug resistance and ESBL production was observed among the clinical isolates. There is a need for longitudinal and nationwide surveillance for drug resistance in clinical isolates and antimicrobial stewardship is necessary to guide the appropriate and judicious antibiotic use.