PREVALENCE AND DETECTION OF ESBL (EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE) PRODUCING E.COLI FROM FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER EKITI STATE.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility of 30 Escherichia coli isolates collected from the Federal Medical Center Ido-Osi. The isolates were tested for their resistance to various antibiotics using the disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. The study presents the susceptibility test results for various E. coli isolates against the same ten antibiotics. The isolates were categorized based on the diameter of zones of inhibition, with resistance defined as 1-10 mm, intermediate as 11-15 mm, and susceptibility as 16-35 mm. Notably, resistance was observed in several isolates to carbapenems (MEM and IMP), indicating potential carbapenemase-producing organisms. Resistance to MEM and IMP was significant, with 40% and 50% of isolates resistant, respectively. Tetracycline showed high resistance (63.3%), while amikacin (AMK) demonstrated high effectiveness (90% susceptibility). The results indicate a concerning trend in carbapenem resistance and the need for careful management of antibiotic use. The resistance patterns of E. coli isolates, revealing that some were resistant to as many as six antibiotics. The most common resistance pattern involved three antibiotics, found in nine isolates, with a high multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.9. This indicates that the only ESBL genotype detected in the E. coli samples was bla TEM, with nine isolates exhibiting this genotype. No isolates were identified with bla CTX-M or bla SHV, highlighting a specific resistance profile that requires further investigation. The data presented across these tables underscore the critical need for ongoing surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance in E. coli. The emergence of resistance, particularly to carbapenems and the prevalence of specific ESBL genotypes, necessitates careful antibiotic stewardship and continuous monitoring to inform clinical practice effectively.