Extended-spectrum β-lactamase Occurrence among Gram-negative Bacilli Isolated from Urine of Apparently Healthy Individuals at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Aims: This study determines the carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from the urine of apparently healthy individuals at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Study Design: The study was designed to evaluate ESBL occurrence among GNB isolated from urine samples of recruited subjects at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Methodology: Mid-stream urine samples were collected from 70 apparently healthy and consenting participants. The samples were inoculated onto MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C; the isolates were identified using standard methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profile and ESBL test were performed using standard methods.

Results: A total of 47 (67.1%) monomicrobial GNB were isolated. Escherichia coli (15, 31.9%) was the most predominant isolate identified. All isolates were multi-drug resistant; β-lactamase was produced in 17 (36.2%) isolates and ESBL, in only two isolates. ESBL-producing isolates showed resistance to non-β-lactam antibiotics.

Conclusion: The isolates were multi-drug resistant, and the occurrence of ESBL-producing GNB isolated from the urine was observed. This study shows the complexity of antibiotic resistance and highlights the need for surveillance to address the serious issue of multi-drug resistance.