Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase–production in Escherichia coli isolated from door handles in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

Serious clinical concern has been raised globally over the continual evolution of pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to several chemotherapeutic agents, especially the beta-lactam antibiotics. This study investigated ESBL-production in Escherichia coli isolated from door handles in Nasarawa State University, Keffi-Nigeria. A total of 200 door handles were sampled and 34 (17.0%) E. coli isolates were identified. The bacterial resistance profile to tested antibiotics was: tetracycline 31 (91.18%), cotrimoxazole, ceftazidime, and augmentin with 28 (82.35%). Streptomycin and ampicillin had 26 (76.47%), while ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin had 16 (47.06%), 14 (41.18%), 12 (35.29%) and 7 (20.59%) resistance profile respectively. Multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) ≥ 0.3 was recorded in 33 (97.06%) of the isolates. A total of 23 resistant phenotypes were observed in this study. The most common resistant phenotype was AMP-AUG-CAZ-CRO-S-CIP-SXT-TE-C with 4 appearances. Fourteen (14) of the isolates were Multidrug resistant (MDR), while 9 were extensively resistant (XDR) isolates. Fifteen (15) ESBL-producers were identified out of which bla(TEM) was identified in 7 of the isolates, while 10 were carriers of bla(SHV), and bla(CTX-M) gene was not detected in any of the test isolates. This study recommends prompt action by all stakeholders in public health to prevent a potential disease burden from a superbug.