Neonatal infections caused by <i>Escherichia coli</i> at the National Hospital, Abuja: a three-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli (E.coli) has been implicated as a common cause of both early and late onset neonatal infections. The emergence of different strains of E.coli that are multiply resistant to commonly used antibiotics has made continuous antibiotics surveillance relevant. Knowledge about common infections caused by E.coli as well as its antibiotics susceptibility pattern will guide paediatricians in choosing appropriate antibiotics for empirical treatment of neonatal infections.
Methods: A retrospective study of E.coli neonatal infections in NHA was conduct for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012. The records of all specimens submitted to the Medical Microbiology laboratory within the neonatal period (first 28 days of life) were examined and data about E.coli isolates and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern were retrieved and evaluated.
Results: 251(33.2%) bacteria were isolated out of a total of 757 specimen submitted for analysis within the period under review. 17(6.8%) were E.coli; 16 were from soft tissue specimen and one from blood. There was no isolate of E.coli from CSF. Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treatment of neonatal infections. Three isolates were resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ceftriaxone. One isolate was resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone and imipenem. 100% and 80% of the strains tested were susceptible to amikacin and imipenem respectively.
Conclusion: E.coli is third among the gram negative bacteria isolated within the period under review. Most of them were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treating neonatal infections but, susceptible to amikacin and imipenem. There is need for regular antibiotics resistance surveillance and stewardship.

Keywords: Neonates, E.coli Infections, Antibiotics Resistance, Abuja.