Occurrence of Carbapenemases, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases and AmpCs among Beta-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria from Clinical Sources in Accra, Ghana

Beta-lactamase (β-lactamase)-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are of public health concern due to their resistance to routine antimicrobials. We investigated the antimicrobial resistance and occurrence of carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpCs among GNB from clinical sources. GNB were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight–mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion and a microscan autoSCAN system. β-lactamase genes were determined via multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Of the 181 archived GNB analyzed, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae constituted 46% (n = 83) and 17% (n = 30), respectively. Resistance to ampicillin (51%), third-generation cephalosporins (21%), and ertapenem (21%) was observed among the isolates, with 44% being multi-drug resistant (MDR). β-lactamase genes such as AmpCs ((bla(FOX-M) (64%) and bla(DHA-M) and bla(EDC-M) (27%)), ESBLs ((bla(CTX-M) (81%), other β-lactamase genes bla(TEM) (73%) and bla(SHV) (27%)) and carbapenemase ((bla(OXA-)(48) (60%) and bla(NDM) and bla(KPC) (40%)) were also detected. One K. pneumoniae co-harbored AmpC (bla(FOX-M) and bla(EBC-M)) and carbapenemase (bla(KPC) and bla(OXA-)(48)) genes. bla(OXA-)(48) gene was detected in one carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Overall, isolates were resistant to a wide range of antimicrobials including last-line treatment options. This underpins the need for continuous surveillance for effective management of infections caused by these pathogens in our settings.