Biofilm formation and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL) producers among the gram negative bacteria causing Urinary tract infections

Emergence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation among the uropathogens is of serious concern due to recurrence and chronicity of infections. The present study aims to detect the biofilm formation assay and antibiotic susceptibility profile among the gram negative isolates causing urinary tract infections. Materials and Method: In this study, 148 urine specimens from patients with clinical history of urinary tract infection were processed and each significant isolate was identified as per standard techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by disc diffusion method. Extended spectrum beta lactamase producers were detected by double disc method. Biofilm formation was detected by Microtitre plate method for the gram negative isolates. Results: Out of 148 urine specimens, 113(76.35%) were culture positive. Escherichia coli was the predominant bacteria 34(36.1%). Overall highest susceptibility was observed for cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin and amikacin and 38 isolates were confirmed to be ESBL producers and 14(36.84%) of them showed biofilm formation. The Association of drug resistance (ESBL producers) and Biofilm formation was found to be statistically significant. (p=0.023) Conclusion: Biofilm producing Uropathogens are of significant concern as they can cause chronic relapses and dissemination of drug resistant isolates. Hence it is necessary to detect the biofilm forming bacteria, conduct surveillance of the antibiotic susceptibility and device effective infection control measures.