Biofilm Forming Potential and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase of Bacterial Isolates from Hospital Wards in Abia State

Biofilm-forming potential and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in hospital wards are of public health concern. The ability of bacteria to proliferate on surfaces may pose a threat to human lives. This study evaluated the biofilm-forming potential and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production of bacterial isolates from hospital wards in Abia State. Samples from selected hospital wards were collected and cultured on blood agar, MacConkey agar and mannitol salt agar. Pure cultures were obtained by subculturing the isolates on nutrient agar. Appropriate biochemical tests were carried out to identify the organisms. The biofilm-forming potential of the different bacterial isolates was assessed using the Congo red agar method. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) assays were performed on the Gram-negative bacterial isolates using the double-disc diffusion test. The most common bacterial isolate was Staphylococcus aureus, 206 (52.82%) followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci, 99 (25.38%) while the least common bacterial isolate was Streptococcus spp., 4 (1.03%). Staphylococcus aureus had the highest biofilm-forming potential, 130 (63.11%) while Streptococcus spp. had the least biofilm-forming potential, 1 (25%). Thirty (40%) Escherichia coli isolates and 2 (33.33%) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were ESBL-positive. This study demonstrated biofilm formation and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production among the bacterial isolates.