EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE (ESBL) PRODUCING PROTEUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS FROM SELECTED HOSPITALS IN JIGAWA STATE, NORTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Proteus species are found in multiple environmental habitats, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and can also cause both community and nosocomial infections. For a long time, Proteus was known to be susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics but nowadays they become resistant. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility pattern of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Proteus species across Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria. 1854 different clinical specimens were analysed of which 191 Proteus species were isolated through standard biochemical tests and used for this study from selected hospital between November, 2021 to August, 2022. Modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to test the susceptibility of the Proteus isolates to nine different antimicrobial agents. Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) was used for phenotypic detection of ESBL in isolates. The prevalence of ESBL producing Proteus mirabilis was 11.8%. None of the Proteus vulgaris isolates in this study was found to be ESBL producers. Male patients were infected with more ESBL producers than those from female counterparts (Male vs Female; 12.5% vs 4.8%). Proteus mirabilis were observed to be significantly more susceptible to Ampicillin (P= 0.003), Gentamycin (P=0.024) and Cotrimoxazole (P=0.014). All ESBL producing Proteus mirabilis were resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics used in this study. This study reveals the occurrence of ESBL producing Proteus species in this environment. All the ESBL producing Proteus mirabilis encountered in this study exhibited multidrug resistance. Prudent use of antimicrobial agents is advocated in order to tame the trend.