Api 20 ne identification strips

A total of 3000 samples were obtained from clinical samples. All clinical specimens were subjected to isolation and identification of significant pathogens according to CLSI procedures (CLSI 2015, 2016). Among 2000 cultures with positive growth, 924 gram negative isolates bacilli were further screened for acquisition of imipenem resistance. On the basis of antibiotic susceptibility patterns, 142 isolates resistant to imipenem were further analysed by molecular tools. Identification of bacterial isolates was performed on the basis of culture characteristics, gram staining and conventional biochemical tests. Confirmation of gram-negative isolates was performed by API 20 NE identification strips (bioMerieux, France). The identified strains were stored in 30% glycerol broth at − 70 °C. Isolates were obtained from wound infections (n = 487), urine samples (n = 187), sputum samples (n = 90), tips and catheters (n = 47), fluids and effusions (n = 44) and others, including tissue samples, bone samples, and vaginal swabs (n = 57) (Table 3).

The clinical isolates were confirmed by culturing on Pseudomonas cetrimide agar. The morphological characteristics of colonies were used for the identification of the isolates. Identification of isolates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was based on bacterial culture and staining characteristics. Isolates were characterized biochemically using catalase, urease, indole, citrate utilization, lactose, lysine decarboxylation, and glucose fermentation tests¹⁸ . Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was by growth on Pseudomonas cetrimide agar plus API20NE identification strips (bioMerieux, France). Identified strains were stored in 30% glycerol broth at − 70 °C. The largest number of isolates were obtained from patients falling in the age group of 40–49 years. Percentage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from departments counted to surgery (36.8%), orthopedics (13.3%), gynecology (7.0%), ICU (11.4%), medicine (25.9%), and ENT (5.5%) (p ≤ 0.001). Specimen-wise isolation was performed with wound swabs (34.9%), tissue (4.7%), blood (11.7%), sputum (13.7%), urine (27.8%), and pus (7.05%). Resistance to imipenem was exhibited by 135 isolates while resistance to ceftazidime was shown by 153 isolates. These isolates were further evaluated employing molecular methodologies.