Carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from cases of urinary tract infections in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Carbapenems are a group of β-lactam antibiotics with an exceptionally broad spectrum of activity. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among urinary tract infection (UTI) remains a major clinical problem for over 50 years after the introduction of anti-microbial therapy. E coli and Klebsiella spp were the most frequent organisms isolated from UTIs. Aim: The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of carbapenem resistant E coli and K. pneumoniae Isolates from cases of urinary tract infection in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. A total of 204 urine samples were collected and processed for the isolation of E coli and K. pneumonia.
Methods: All urine samples collected were cultured on CLED agar. All culture positive were characterized by colony morphology, Gram stain and biochemical test using the standard procedure. Carbapenem susceptibility test was done by disc diffusion method using imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem.
Results: All demographic and laboratory data were analysed using SPSS Version 24. The overall prevalence of E coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from urine cultures was 37 (18.1%). E coli was the predominant bacteria isolated which accounted for 23 (62.2%) followed by K. pneumonia which accounted for 14(37.8%). E coli and K. pneumoniae were 100% sensitive to carbapenem (imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem). Interestingly none of this isolates were resistant to carbapenem.
Conclusion: Carbapenem is still sensitive in the treatment of UTI in the study area. However, upon consideration of the antibiotic susceptibility testing, cost side effect and many other factors, carbapenem (imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem) should be used as third line drug for the treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria.