Background & Objectives: CTX M is a new type of Extended Spectrum β- Lactamase which is predominantly present in Enterobacteriaceae. CTX M lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae are present in the intestinal flora without harming the host but spreading to other sites like urinary tract to produce infection. These genes are transferred through plasmids and thus facilitating the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the community. This study is conducted to detect bla<inf>CTX-M</inf> gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Materials & Methods : A total of 483 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were screened for susceptibility testing. Isolates with decreased resistance to 3rd generation Cephalosporins(3GC) were subjected to double disk synergy test for phenotypic confirmation of ESBL in which 132 were positive. Multiplex PCR was done for these 132 isolates to detect the four groups I, II, III & IV of CTX M. Results : Multiplex PCR yielded the products with predicted size for group 1 CTX-M enzyme in 118(27.32%) isolates. None of the isolates were positive for other groups of CTX M (Group II, III & IV) Interpretation & Conclusion : The occurrence of bla<inf>CTX M</inf> β-lactamase in Klebsiella pneumoniae is increasing in the community which wouldt spread to the hospital setup creating problems in therapeutic interventions. © 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.