Multidrug resistance and carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical samples, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background Multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) is among the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and mortality. Carbapenem are often used as last-resort antibiotics; however, the emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has severely limited treatment options. In Ethiopia, data on their burden from routine diagnostic laboratory settings remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence of multidrug-resistant and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among clinical isolates in Addis Ababa. Methods A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2, 2025, to April 2, 2025 on clinical specimens referred to Wudassie Advanced Medical Laboratory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 1105 clinical specimens collected through convenience sampling method were processed. Bacterial identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) (EXS 3000, Zybio Inc., China). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI 2024) guidelines. Carbapenemase production was confirmed using the modified Carbapenem Inactivation Method (mCIM). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results Of the 1105 clinical specimens, 288/1105 (26.1%) showed bacterial growth. Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 156/288 (54.2%) of the isolates. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli 89/156 (57.1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 47/156 (30.1%). Overall, 123/156 (78.8%) of Enterobacteriaceae were multidrug resistant. Carbapenem resistance was detected in 35/154 (22.7%) of isolates, and 30/154 (19.5%) were confirmed as carbapenemase producers. Klebsiella pneumoniae 24/30 (80%) was the predominant carbapenemase-producing organism. Most CPE isolates were recovered from urine specimens, followed by wound and sputum samples. Conclusion This study demonstrates a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Addis Ababa. The findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs, early detection strategies, and enhanced infection prevention and control measures in the private health facilities.