Background and purpose: Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) are one of the most important health care issues all over the world. Uropathogenesis are responsible for life threatening infections in children. In this study we aimed at investigating the epidemiology of CTX, TEM and VEB genes in pediatric UTI.

Materials and methods: Urine samples were collected during six months in Sari Bou Alisina Hospital. The samples were inoculated onto 5% blood agar and MacConkey’s agar and the E. coli isolates were identified by standard methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fourteen routine antibiotics was determined by agar dilution method. Resistance to Cefotaxime and ceftazidime was considered as ESBL producing bacteria. These isolates were then tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the presence or absence of CTX, TEM and VEB beta-lactamase genes.

Results: Of 327 E. coli uropathogen, 100 (30.5%) were identified as ESBL producer. The ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were susceptible to carbapenems (66%) and amikacin (58%). The most prevalent ESBL genes were TEM (49%) following CTX (28%) and VEB (8%). TEM negative ESBL, were significantly more resistant to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and amikacin (P< 0.05). VEB-producing strains were significantly more resistant to ceftazidime (P< 0.05). ESBLs were associated with resistance to cefixime, colistin and cefepime.

Conclusion: Regarding the high level of resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics, more rational prescribing, empiric therapy assessment and TDM of broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended.