Abstract
Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL PE) bacteria represent an important public health concern as these organisms are resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ESBL PE isolated from different samples of human patients and study the effect of age and sex on the estimated prevalence. Archival records of 320 patients with ESBL PE results were available for reviewing at the time of this study. Demographic data obtained included age, gender, type of examined samples and results of antibiotic sensitivity. It was found that the prevalence of ESBL PE in females (54.1%) was higher than in males (45.9%). The effect of age on the prevalence of ESBL PE clarified that the highest prevalence was observed in the age group > 65 years (49.1%) followed by the age group 45 < 65 years (25%) and finally the age group and 1 < 13 years (4.9%). Concerning the type of sample, the highest frequency of E.coli was reported in urine samples followed by wound swabs, blood, sputum, vaginal swabs and laryngeal swabs with prevalence while in Klebsiella spp., the highest frequency was observed in urine samples followed by sputum, wound, blood, vaginal swabs and laryngeal swabs. The results of antibiotic sensitivity was recorded as follow; E.coli displayed the highest resistance to penicillin followed by extended spectrum cephalosporin with higher susceptibility to carbapenems and relative high resistance to other antibiotics as aminoglycosides followed by fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, Nitrofurantoin and Cotrimoxazole. Regarding Klebsiella spp. isolates, they exhibited higher resistance to Penicillins followed by extended spectrum cephalosporin, then carbapenems. For the other antibiotic classes, they revealed higher resistance to chloramphenicol followed by fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, Cotrimoxazole, tetracycline and Nitrofurantoin. This retrospective study revealed higher antimicrobial resistance among E. coli and Klebsiella spp. to commonly used antimicrobial medications. These resistance levels could be attributed to ESBL production by these isolates obtained from both the hospital and the community.

Key words: Extended Spectrum β- Lactamase, Enterobacteriaceae, Antibiogram, Human