Detection of bla_TEM-1 gene for ESBL production among clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The occurrence of multi drug resistant P. aeruginosa strains is growing in the world, limiting the therapeutic options. Conventionally it was believed that ESBLs are derivatives of TEM and SHV parent enzymes but recently in Europe it was proved that ESBLs can be of non-TEM, non-SHV lineage. In this study we have taken 20 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection of bla_TEM-1 gene by PCR. Higher degree of resistance to routinely used antibiotics is reported, 15% of them were found to have this gene by PCR. Proper detection of desired panel of genes is required to emphasize the resistance mechanism being operated in these pathogens for better outcome.