Molecular Detection of Multiple Resistance Genes from Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) Producing E. coli Isolated from Patients Attending Selected Hospitals in Maiduguri, Nigeria

1Fatima Baba Ali, 1Abdullahi Ahmad Bundi, and 1,2Mustafa Alhaji Isa

1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kashim Ibrahim University, Nigeria
2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: mustafaalhajiisa@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100103


ABSTRACT

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) represents a growing threat to public health, particularly in hospital settings where the incidence of infections is high. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. coli in stool and urine samples collected from three hospitals in Maiduguri, Nigeria, and to assess their resistance profiles, including the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). Three hundred sixty-four (364) clinical samples (150 stool and 214 urine) were analyzed, revealing an 80.0% prevalence of E. coli in stool and 59.6% in urine. Multidrug resistance was significantly higher in urine isolates (72.0%) compared to stool isolates (44.2%). Among the MDR isolates, 32.17% produced ESBL. Molecular identification using PCR and gel electrophoresis detected key resistance genes, including blaTEM, blaSHV, CTX-M, and NDM, highlighting the genetic mechanisms driving resistance. These findings stress the pressing need for improved antimicrobial stewardship, targeted infection control measures, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat the rising threat of resistant E. coli infections.

KEYWORDS

ESBL,
E. coli,
MDR,
Resistance.

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