THE PREVALENCE OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASES AND AMBLER CLASS C BETA-LACTAMASES IN ENUGU AND EBONYI STATES OF NIGERIA

Over the years, antibiotics have been among the primary drugs used to treat or prevent infections in animals and humans. Over the years, ESBL and AmpC producing isolates have become common microorganisms in medical institutions. They have contributed immensely to the clinical challenges caused by nosocomial infections with minimal therapeutic options.The present study investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and Ambler class C beta-lactamases in the Enugu and Ebonyi States of Nigeria. A total of fifty isolates comprising 27 clinical and 23 environmental isolates were screened and observed for the presence of ESBL and AmpC producing isolates. The production of either of the two enzymes was detected by observing zones of inhibition in diameter. The findings showed the presence of ESBL and AmpC producing isolates in the clinical and environmental samples tested. The study concludes that ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamases production by resistant bacterial isolates (especially the Gram-negatives) remain the prevalent mechanism in bacterial resistance to beta-lactam drugs. The study recommends that adequate and appropriate detection and monitoring of ESBL and AmpC producing enzymes within the communities.