PREVALENCE OF EXTENDED BROAD-SPECTRUM B-LACTAMASE PRODUCING BACTERIA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN SELECTED HEALTH FACILITIES IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

Extended Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) is an enzyme produced by some bacteria which is capable of decomposing the third generation cephalosporins. Urinary tract infection (UTI) due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria has become widespread and resistance patterns vary nationally and internationally from one institution to another. This study examined the prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria in individuals with UTI accessing health care services in two health facilities in Enugu metropolis. One hundred and forty-five (145) bacteria isolate from 133 individuals with positive bacteriuria were subjected to Single Disc and Double Disc Synergy Tests to screen for ESBL. Forty-nine (49) bacteria isolates (Staphylococcus aureus (n=5), Escherichia coli (n=15), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=16), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=3), Enterococcus faecalis (n=3) and Proteus mirabilis (n=7)) were positive for ESBL-producing bacteria accounting for 46.8% prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria mediated UTI. The prevalence of ESBL producing bacteria induced UTI is huge and portends a great danger to the management of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance surveillance should be institutionalized in management of bacterial infections in order to limit the spread of resistant strains and reduce antibiotics treatment failure.