Distribution of resistance gene encoding ESBLs in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical isolates in a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State

This study examines the prevalence and traits of Enterobacteriaceae resistance genes expressing ESBL among clinical specimens isolated from a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State. A total of 445 clinical samples were taken from different wards of the hospital. Gram-negative isolates were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing and API20E. The Mueller Hinton agar diffusion method assessed antibiotic susceptibility, and PCR techniques were used for genotypic analysis to identify resistance genes. Patient samples yielded 102 multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB), but no statistically significant difference was found (P > 0.05) in the distribution of isolates, which included Escherichia coli (24, 23.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20, 19.6%), and Proteus mirabilis (17, 16.6%). Clinical isolates demonstrated high resistance rates, with 46 (45.0%) resistant to carbapenems, 71 (69.6%) to quinolones, and 99 (97.0%) to cephalosporins. Genotypic analysis revealed that the MDRGNB isolates showed a high frequency of CTX-M (39, 78.0%), followed by TEM (22, 44.0%) and SHV (20, 40.0%). These results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. They also emphasize the importance of infection control practices, surveillance, and responsible antibiotic use in combating the increasing threat of MDRGNB infections in Bayelsa State. Key words: Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant-bacteria, antibiotic-resistance, ESBL-encoding, genotypic, tertiary hospital.