SYNERGY TESTING OF CEFTAZIDIME- AVIBACTAM WITH AZTREONAM ON CARBAPENEMASE PRODUCING KLEBSIELLA SPECIES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Resistance in Gram-negative bacteria has become a major concern in recent times. To overcome the challenge posed by metallo-beta-lactamases, which are not adequately countered by the combination of a beta-lactamase inhibitor and a beta-lactam antibiotic, the addition of a third antibiotic has been employed to restore susceptibility. One of the recent combinations used is ceftazidime - avibactam in combination with aztreonam. However, the effectiveness of this combination, along with the role of rapid synergy reporting, has not been extensively evaluated . Methods: Phenotypic synergy testing of 100 multidrug-resistant isolates identied as carbapenem resistant Klebsiella species was performed by two phenotypic synergy methods for ceftazidime-avibactam with aztreonam (Disc-E strip method, Disc- Disc method) for rapid reporting to clinicians. Results: Out of 100 isolates of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella species, synergy was seen in 50 isolates (50%) by Disc-E strip and Disc- Disc method. Ceftazidime–avibactam and aztreonam rapid synergy testing will be highl Conclusions: y benecial and help the clinicians to take decisions for antibiotic selection.