Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and AmpC Beta-lactamase Mediated Resistance in Escherichia coli from Clinical Sources

Agbagwa Oe,Aminofifori J

doi:10.12691/ajmr-5-5-3

Abstract

The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria following the introduction of antimicrobial agents has emerged as an important medical problem worldwide. Antibiotic resistance has made the treatment of infectious diseases a global challenge. The study was carried out to detect Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Amp C Beta-lactamase mediated resistance of Escherichia coli. Twelve isolates were collected from the University of Port Harcourt, department of Microbiology; nine out of the 12 were identified to be E. coli after series of biochemical test. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out on all the isolates using the disc diffusion method. High level of antimicrobial resistance was observed in the test organism against Augmentin and Ampicillin. ESBL preliminary screening, ESBL phenotypic confirmatory test and double disk synergy test was performed on all the isolates to detect ESBL producers. Results obtained from the study showed that 5(55.5%) out of the nine E. coli isolates were confirmed to be ESBL producers. AmpC production was detected in only one of the E. coli isolate which was from wound swab. The study revealed a high rate of ESBL- producing E. coli from clinical specimen. Further studies should be carried out using molecular method to detect ESBL genes and a wider range of E. coli from different sources should be used.

Highlights

Antibiotics have always been considered one of the wonder discoveries of the 20th century
WHO declared antibiotic resistance a top health issue worldwide, about 70% of the bacteria that cause infections are resistant to at least one of the drug most commonly used for treatment and this includes Escherichia coli which have emerged as one of the most significant causes of both nosocomial and community acquired infections [1]. β-lactams, especially extended-spectrum cephalosporin, carbapenems and flouroquinolones antibiotics represent the main therapeutic options to treat infections caused by these pathogens [2]
Nine of the isolates were identified as Escherichia coli after series of biochemical test which include dindole, citrate, motility, TSIA, Methyl Red test and Voges Proskauer test

Summary

Introduction

Antibiotics have always been considered one of the wonder discoveries of the 20th century. The importance and value of antibiotics cannot be over emphasized; they are used to treat infectious diseases that are caused by microorganisms. There is a rise of antibiotic resistance in hospitals, communities, and the environment concomitant with their use [1]. Based on the rise in antibiotic resistance infectious diseases are more difficult to treat. Β-lactams, especially extended-spectrum cephalosporin, carbapenems and flouroquinolones antibiotics represent the main therapeutic options to treat infections caused by these pathogens [2]. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are class A enzyme that have the ability to hydrolyze third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime) but are inhibited by clavulanic acid. Most of ESBLs producers are susceptible to cefoxitin and cefotetan but they are not active against cephamycins [3,4]

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