Detection of colistin resistant Gram-negative bacteria in hospital cleaning staff with asymptomatic bacteriuria in sub-urban hospitals; implications for community spread.

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is frequently found in many healthy people of both sex and all ages and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in its treatment has been recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The emergence of colistin resistance, an antibiotic used as the last resort in apparently healthy individuals, is a threat to global public health. Aim: The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in hospital cleaning staff (HCS) and colistin resistance in Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: A total number of 80 midstream urine specimens were obtained from HCS, each cultured and isolates of E. coli and P. aeruginosa identified based on standard biochemical procedures. The sensitivity to colistin was determined by the colistin broth disk elution (CBDE) method. Results: The ASB prevalence was 27.5% with E. coli and P. aeruginosa having a prevalence of 54.5% and 45.5% respectively. Colistin resistance was observed in 13.6% E. coli and 36.6% of P. aeruginosa isolates. Conclusion: The presence of colistin resistance amongst E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolates of HCS should be seen as an imminent threat that warrants prompt action.