The prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species urinary isolates from Abia state university teaching hospital (ABSUTH) aba, Abia State Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamases among 246 clinical isolates from Abia State University teaching Hospital patients was investigated. The isolates were made up of 134 Escherichia coli and 112 Klebsiella species. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the disc diffusion method. ESBL phenotypes were determined by the double disc synergy method using ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and co-amoxiclav. Out of the 246 isolates, 125 (50.8%) were ESBL producers, made up of 62(50.8%) E. coli and 63 (50.4%) Klebsiella isolates. Seventeen (54.8%) of the ESBL producing E. coli isolates were from in-patients while 45 (47.9%) were from out-patients. For the ESBL positive Klebsiella spp., 14 (45.2%) and 49 (52.1%) were from in-patients and outpatients respectively. ESBL producing isolates were also found to be more prevalent among the female patients (72.8%) than among the male patients (27.2%). The isolates also expressed high rates of resistance to other classes of antibiotics tested. However, Amikacin was found to have excellent performance against the urinary isolates tested and therefore is recommended for the treatment of infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. This study shows high prevalence of ESBL producing E. coli and Klebsiella isolates clinical samples of patients attending the Abia State University