Prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase resistance genes (CTX-M and TEM) among Escherichia coli isolates from Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction ESBL producing bacteria prevalence is on the rise and ESBL producing E.coli have been implicated in many urinary tract infections as well as septicemia. Such infections may result in prolonged hospital stays, high mortality and morbidity among patients as well as large expenses in treatment due to use of more expensive drugs as the only option for treatment. Methods E.coli isolates were cultured on Luria-Bertani media and the DNA extracted using CTAB and purified using the chloroform isoamyl solvent extraction method. PCR was then applied to the DNA samples to detect for the presence of TEM and CTXM genes using their respective primers. The amplicons are then assessed using gel electrophoresis and visualized using a trans-illuminator. Results Of the 30 isolates, 8 (26%) were positive for the ESBL genes. Of the 8 isolates with the ESBL genes, 7 (87.5%) had TEM and 12.5% had CTX-M gene. None of the isolates had both genes. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of ESBL genes among E.coli isolates. This may complicate treatment options by the health care providers which calls for stewardship in action against anti-microbial resistance.