Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the occurrence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) enzymes in isolates of Klebsiella spp and E.coli from various health institutions in Lagos. Methods: From December 2000 to October 2001, 356 isolates of Klebsiella spp (200) and Escherichia coli (156) were investigated for ESBL production. These isolates were obtained from the Microbiology laboratories of 7 hospitals in Lagos metropolis. Results: Seventy four (20.8%) were found to be ESBL-producers using the double-disk test (DD test). Amongst the ESBL-producers, Klebsiella pneumoniae (60.8%) was the most represented followed by E.coli (31.1%). All strains positive to DD tests were confirmed for the carriage ESBL genes by polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR amplification). A total of 54 (73%) strains were positive for PCR, of which 12 (22.2%) were of the TEM-type, 26 (48.2%) of SHV-type and 16 (29.6%) of both types. About 27% of the ESBL-producers could not be amplified by PCR using TEM and SHV primers. Isoelectric focusing analysis showed the presence of 2 enzsymes with pI of 7.0 and 8.5 which were non-TEM and non-SHV enzymes in addition to enzymes with pl of 8.2, 7.6 and 5.8 which were of the TEM and SHV-type. A very low number, 10 (13.5%) of the ESBL-producers transferred ESBL resistance by conjugation experiment suggesting that ESBL-resistance in Lagos hospitals, may be generally chromosomal or carried by non-self transferable plasmids. Conclusion: The production of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase enzymes by clinical isolates compromise the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly the extended-spectrum cephalosporins which are widely used in the treatment of serious gram-negative infections. There are now increasing clinical evidence that shows the importance of detecting strains producing this enzyme in our environment to prevent their spread. Key Words:Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, Klebsiella spp, E. coli. Nig. J. Health and Biomed. Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 53-60
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
