Unveiling the Silent Threat: The Rise of Β-Lactamase Enzymes in Gram-Negative Bacterial Isolates Identified From Sterile Body Fluids in an Indian Healthcare Institution.

Background Bacterial infections in sterile body fluids represent a significant clinical concern, particularly when caused by resistant pathogens. β-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria, including extended-spectrum-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), and AmpC β-lactamase producers, complicate treatment strategies, leading to poor patient outcomes. Infections in vulnerable patients, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), are more susceptible to these resistant organisms, highlighting the need for urgent surveillance and effective antimicrobial strategies. Objectives The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from sterile body fluids, with a focus on β-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria. The study further aimed to highlight the implications of antimicrobial resistance patterns in guiding effective empirical therapy and infection control strategies. Methodology A total of 180 sterile body fluid samples, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, bile, peritoneal or ascitic fluid, and synovial fluid, were collected and processed for bacterial isolation. Standard microbiological procedures, including Gram staining, culture on appropriate media, and biochemical identification tests, were utilized to identify the isolates, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test to determine resistance profiles, with particular attention to ESBL, MBL, and AmpC β-lactamase production. Results Of the 180 samples, 27 (15%) showed bacterial growth, with