Phenotypic characterization of ESBL-producing urinary isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. in a tertiary care children's hospital in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: The production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among uropathogens, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella spp., poses a severe public health concern. This study explored the epidemiology of ESBL-producing E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from urine samples obtained at a tertiary care children's hospital in Nepal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2016 to February 2017. A total of 745 clean catch urine samples were obtained from pediatric patients under the age of 13 and subjected to semiquantitative culture. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were identified using standard laboratory protocols. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and ESBL producers were phenotypically identified using the combined disk method. RESULTS: Among the bacterial isolates, E. coli predominated, accounting for 139 (81.8%) positive cases. Notably, E. coli showed high susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, with 117 (84.2%) isolates being susceptible. Meanwhile, K. pneumoniae showed high susceptibility to gentamicin, with 21 (91.3%) isolates being susceptible. Of the 163 isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp., 62 (38.0%) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 42 (25.8%) confirmed as phenotypic ESBL producers. Remarkably, all 41 (100%) ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were susceptible to imipenem. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL producers among E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from pediatric patients underscores the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Nitrofurantoin and gentamicin emerge as effective empirical treatment choices against these pathogens in children. However, the high rates of multidrug resistance and ESBL production highlight the necessity for routine surveillance, and early detection strategies to manage such infections effectively.

Adrenal schwannoma: A case report of an unusual incidentaloma.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Adrenal schwannomas are extremely rare tumors often misdiagnosed. The patients are usually asymptomatic while some present with non-specific abdominal pain. Only a few cases are reported to date. CASE PRESENTATION: We here present a case of a 55-year-old Nepalese man presented with nonspecific abdominal pain at our Outpatient Department (OPD) found to have mass on ultrasonography of abdomen. On further investigation with Contrast Enhanced Computerized Tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis, a well-defined heterogeneous adrenal mass of size (7.8 ∗ 8.3 ∗ 6) cm with foci of calcification was seen in the left retroperitoneum. The intraoperative finding of adrenal mass and histopathology of resected mass was suggestive of schwannoma arising from the adrenal gland which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Adrenal schwannoma can mimic tumors like pheochromocytoma, adrenal adenoma, cortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, and other masses. Only 1-3% of schwannomas are retroperitoneal. Radiological findings of this tumor are non-suggestive. The histological section shows spindle cells with Antoni A and Antoni B regions while positive staining of S-100 protein in Immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of adrenal schwannoma in the retroperitoneum is often challenging. The treatment of choice is surgical resection with a good prognosis.

Epithelioid Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of Duodenum Mimicking Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a mesenchymal tumor of gastro-intestinal tract. This epithelioid type gastrointestinal stromal tumor seen in a 22-year-old male with epigastric pain as a presenting symptom had morphological resemblance to carcinoma. However, the immunohistochemistry profile with CD117 and DOG 1 positivity, combined with AE1/AE3 positivity confirmed the tumor as gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Approximately 95% of the patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor show CD117 immunoreactivity. The treatment approach of CD117 positivity in gastrointestinal stromal tumor has therapeutic benefit with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Preoperative Imatinib therapy with complete excision can decrease the disease recurrence. Histopathological examination with immunohistochemical studies help to reach the definite diagnosis.

Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Species in Pediatric Patients Visiting International Friendship Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat and significantly affects the treatment options for common infectious diseases. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, particularly third-generation cephalosporins, has contributed to the development of AMR. This study aims to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species isolated from various clinical samples. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at International Friendship Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, from August 2017 to January 2018. A total of 1443 samples that included urine, pus, wound swab, endotracheal tip, catheter tip, and blood were collected from pediatric patients below 15 years and processed by standard microbiological methods. Following sufficient incubation, isolates were identified by colony morphology, gram staining, and necessary biochemical tests. Identified bacterial isolates were then tested for antibiotic susceptibility test by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and were subjected to ESBL screening by using 30 µg cefotaxime and ceftazidime. The ESBL production was confirmed by combination disk method. RESULTS: From a total of 103 nonduplicated clinical isolates, E. coli (n = 79), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 18), and Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 6) were isolated from different clinical specimens. Of which, 64 (62.1%) exhibited multidrug resistance, and 29 (28.2%) were ESBL producers. All ESBL-producing isolates were resistant toward ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime. Most ESBL producers were susceptible toward imipenem (89.7%; 26/29), nitrofurantoin (82.8%; 24/29), piperacillin/tazobactam (79.3%; 23/29), and amikacin (72.4%; 21/29). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of multidrug-resistant ESBL organisms was found in this study among pediatric patients. Treatment based on their routine identification and susceptibility to specific antibiotics is critical to halt the spread of AMR and ESBL.