Emergence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and Carbapenemase Producing Gram Negative Non-Fermenters at Selected Hospitals of Northeast Ethiopia: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The emergence and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) and carbapenemase (CP) producing gram negative non-fermenters are becoming a serious public health threat globally. Infections caused by these pathogens limit treatment options and contribute to the significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, to reduce their spread, early detection of these superbugs is very crucial. This study therefore aimed to assess the prevalence of ESβLs and CP producing gram negative non-fermenters at selected hospitals of North East Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2021. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were identified using standard bacteriological techniques. ESβL and CP production were detected by combined disk diffusion and modified carbapenem inhibitory methods, respectively. Data were collected via face-to-face interview and patient card review. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were calculated and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 384 patients participated in this study. Overall, 30 (7.8%) patients had positive culture for A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. The prevalence of A. baumannii was 20 (5.2%) and that of P. aeruginosa was 10 (2.6%). From the overall isolates, 16 (53.3%) were ESβL and the proportion of carbapenemase production was 4 (13.3%). ESβL production was 8 (40%) in A. baumannii and 8 (80%) in P. aeruginosa isolates. ESβL production infections were significantly associated with hospitalization (p=0.004). Intravenous catheterization, hospitalization, and surgery had significant association with ESβL production (p<0.005). All isolates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were MDR. CONCLUSION: ESβL and carbapenemase production among A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were high in the selected hospitals. The treatment of such resistant infectious agents should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility test in a study setting. Thus, restricted and wise use of antibiotics is highly recommended to contain the spread of these superbugs. Hospitals should develop infection prevention guidelines to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens in hospitalized patients.