+44 330 818 7254Ejikeugwu P.C., Ugwu C.M., Araka C.O., Gugu T.H., Iroha I.R., et al
This study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of imipenem and meropenem resistance amongst Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates producing extended spectrum β-lactamase enzymes. Seventy nine isolates of E. coli (n=40) and K. pneumoniae (n=39) were analyzed and identified by standard microbiology techniques. Antibiogram was evaluated by the disk diffusion method as per clinical laboratory standard institute guidelines. Imipenem and meropenem, followed by amoxicillinclavulanic acid were the most potent antibiotics against the isolates. Extended spectrum β-lactamase production was determined by double disk synergy test in 3.8% E. coli and 7.6% K. pneumoniae strains. All E. coli strains expressing extended spectrum β-lactamase were entirely susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. Also, four out of the 6 K. pneumoniae strains that expressed extended spectrum β- lactamase were entirely susceptible to imipenem and meropenem but 2 strains remained completely resistant, and were confirmed to produce metallo-β-lactamase enzymes. Our study shows occurrence of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates expressing extended spectrum β-lactamase, and complete resistance of 2 K. pneumoniae strains producing extended spectrum β-lactamase to imipenem and meropenem. We recommend prompt and accurate detection of carbapenem resistant bacteria from clinical specimens in order to contain antibiotic resistance in our environment.
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