Phenotypic Detection of AmpC \(\beta\)-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli among Patients in Hospital Wards
Peace Oluchi Akpu
Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Onyinye Lovette Nomeh
Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Ezeh Chinonyelum Moneth
Department of Dental Nursing, Faculty of Dental Health, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, P.M.B. 01473, Enugu, Nigeria.
Aduaka Oluchukwu Stella
Department of Dental Nursing, Faculty of Dental Health, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, P.M.B. 01473, Enugu, Nigeria.
Rebecca Chinenye Ogba
Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria and Department of General Studies, Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, P.M.B. 01801, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ikemesit Udeme Peter *
Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Technology and Engineering, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, P.M.B. 01473, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ifeanyichukwu Romanus Iroha
Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli has emerged in hospital environments as an important health issue that is of a global health concern as drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria that has evolved into strains that are resistant to many classes of antibiotics. However, awareness of the prevalence of AmpC β-lactamase producing microorganisms such as E. coli could be very valuable for achieving more accurate epidemiological results, as well as controlling their spread in the different hospital wards.
Methodology: A total of four hundred (400) clinical samples comprising of two hundred and seventy-nine (279) urine samples and one hundred and Twenty-one (121) wound samples were collected from patients in different ward at AE-FUTHA. The clinical samples were analyze using standard microbiological culture and identification of Escherichia coli. Detection of phenotypic AmpC β-lactamases production was performed using Cefoxitin-Cloxacillin Double-Disk Synergy Test (CC-DDST). Antibiotic susceptibility studies of AmpC β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were construed using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) zone diameter breakpoints.
Results: Phenotypic AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli accounted overall prevalence rate of 94.1%. The frequency of AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli in urine samples were 57(93.4%) comprising of high occurrence rate in Surgical ward 15(100%) followed by medical ward 24(88.9%) but also accounted for overall prevalence rate of 38(95.0%) in wound samples consisting of 9(100 %) from children ward and medical ward 10(100%) followed by Orthopedic ward 13(86.7%) with the least prevalence rate. The AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli exhibited high percentage of resistance within the range of 50-100% against ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefepime, azetronam, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid but were susceptible to ofloxacin 70.0%, Imipenem 83.3% and amikacin 100%.
Conclusion: The findings of this study is a proof of the occurrence of AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli among patients admitted to hospital wards and there’s an urgent need for controlling and managing the development of MDR genotype strain. Moreover, to prevent the spread of resistance among AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli to other strains and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics, it is suggested to establish a precise schedule for antibiotic use in each region based on their antibiotic resistance pattern.
Keywords: AmpC β-lactamasesproducing, Escherichia coli, patients