Molecular Detection and Resistance Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Isolated from Pediatric Patients in Selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis

This study investigated the molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from pediatric patients in two selected hospitals in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 193 blood samples were collected from children aged 2–12 years and analyzed using standard microbiological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Of these, 80 samples (41.45%) yielded positive microbial growth, with E. coli and P. aeruginosa each detected in 7.5% (n = 15) of total isolates. Morphological identification was confirmed using selective media, and species identity was validated by PCR amplification of uidA (503 bp), oprL (249 bp), and 16S rRNA genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that E. coli isolates exhibited complete resistance to ampicillin (100%), moderate resistance to ciprofloxacin (66.7%) and kanamycin (66.7%), but were fully susceptible to tetracycline and ceftazidime (0% resistance). P. aeruginosa displayed variable resistance patterns, with a maximum multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.7, suggesting prior exposure to high-risk antibiotic environments. These findings reveal a considerable burden of multidrug-resistant bloodstream pathogens among pediatric patients in Sokoto, underscoring the urgent need for routine molecular surveillance, strict antibiotic stewardship, and targeted infection control strategies to safeguard child health in the region.