Characterisation of Extended Spectrum B-Lactamase Enzymes of Clinical Isolates of E. Coli from Enugu and Ebonyi State

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzymes (ESBL) of climical isolates of Escherichia coli from two secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Enugu and Ebonyi states of Nigeria. A total of 247 climical isolates of E. coli were isolated from 5 clinical samples including wound (63), blood (51), urine (57), spectrum (43) and semen (37). These organisms were all identified and characterized using standard techniques recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standard (NCCLS). A preliminary sensitivity study was carried out against the isolated organisms using disc diffusion method. The organisms were later tested phenotypically for ESBL production using the double disc synergy test (DDST). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of various classes of antibiotics against the clinical isolates were evaluated using agar dilution method. The sensitivity of the representative isolates from each sample was tested against the different disinfectants using the agar dilution method and the extinction time method for evaluating biocidal potency.