Community-Acquire CTX-M Beta-Lactamase Enteric Isolates in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Aim: To study the emergence of the community-acquire CTX-M beta-lactamase genes among the residents in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Study Design: To determine the prevalence rate of CTX-M beta-lactamase genes in enteric multi-resistant ESBL isolates found among the Abeokuta residents.

Place of Study: Abeokuta, Nigeria between August 2010 and March 2013.

Methodology: Beta-lactamase and ESBL producing enteric bacteria were identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against commonly used antibiotics. Mating activity of the isolates was evaluated and their plasmid was profiled while a CTX-M chromosomal gene was assayed by PCR.

Results: Of the 27.4% beta-lactamase producers obtained, only 5.1% of the strains were ESBL and 2.8% harboured blaCTX-M genes. High resistance rate of 91.0% by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca to commonly used antibiotics was observed.

Conclusion: There is urgent need to curb the community spread of undetected mobile genetic elements of CTX-M-encoded enteric bacteria among the residents in this community and if this persists, a possible outbreak of enteric infection caused by resistant organisms is eminent.