Dissemination of SHV-12 and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases among clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and emergence of GES-3 in Korea

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Abstract
Objectives: To assess the prevalence and genotypes of Ambler class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in Korea. Methods: Clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae collected from 12 Korean hospitals during February–July 2003 were evaluated. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods, and the putative ESBL-producing strains were tested by the double-disc synergy method. Detection of genes encoding class A β-lactamases was performed by PCR amplification, and the PCR products were subjected to direct sequencing. Results: The double-disc synergy test showed positive results in 9.3% (23/246) of E. coli and 23.0% (55/239) of K. pneumoniae isolates. The most prevalent types of Ambler class A ESBLs in E. coli isolates were CTX-M-15 (n = 4) and CTX-M-3 (n = 3), and those in K. pneumoniae isolates were SHV-12 (n = 30) and CTX-M-3 (n = 13). Two isolates produced both SHV-12 and GES-3, simultaneously. Conclusions: CTX-M-type and/or SHV-12 ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates are spreading, and a GES-type ESBL has emerged in Korea.