Purpose:
To determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram negative bacteria causing wound and urinary tract infections among in- and out-patients in a tertiary health acility.
Methods:
The presence of ESBL was determined among 230 Gram negative bacilli isolated from
wound (105) and urine (125) specimens from in- and out- patients who attended University of Benin
Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment using the double disc synergy method. Disc susceptibility test
was performed on all isolates using standard techniques.
Results:
There was no significant difference in the
prevalence of ESBL production between isolates
from wound (47.6 %) and urine (41.6 %) as well as between in
-
patients (48.8 %) and out
–
patients
(39.38 %).
Enterobacter
species were the most prevalent producers of ESBL from both wound and
urine specimens as
well as from both in
-
and out
–
patients. Bacterial isolates that produced ESBL were
more resistant to amoxicillin
-
clavulanate, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin
and ofloxacin compared to non
-
ESBL producers.
Conclusion:
A high
prevalence
(44.3%)
of ESBL producing Gram
–
negative bacteria was observed
among the patients, with
Enterobacter species being the most prevalent. Prudent use of antibacterial
agents is advocated to stem the tide.
