Screening of Kunun-zaki for the Presence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenemase Producing Escherichia Coli

In this study, fifty Kunun-zaki beverages were examined for the presence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing Escherichia coli. 20% of the samples were found to be contaminated with E. coli, whose counts ranged from 7.00×102-1.72×104(cfu/ml). All isolates were subjected to in-vitro antibiotics susceptibility testing which revealed complete sensitivity of the isolates to ofloxacin and total resistance to the carbapenems. 8 isolates showed multi-drug resistance, out of which, 4 were confirmed to be ESBL and carbapenemase producers. Such contaminated beverages if not regulated, can serve as a means for the dissemination of multi-drug resistant E. coli.