Prevalence of SHV gene amongst archived Enterobacteriacaea DNA isolates in the Molecular Laboratory of Makerere University

Abstract

Background: Multidrug resistance is a great problem in the treatment of infections especially from the gram-negative bacilli. The gram-negative bacilli have a wide range of mechanism used in the resistance including the production of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase that inhibit the action of beta-lactams. The SHV enzyme encoded by the SHV gene has created catastrophe to patients being treated with beta-lactams especially with infections of E. coli and Klebshiella pneumonia. Therefore, the need to detect its epidemiology and prevalence. General objectives: The study is aimed to determine the prevalence of the SHV gene in DNA isolates of the enterobacteriacaea archived in the molecular biology laboratory of Makerere university. Methodology: A total of 68 samples of crude DNA isolates from the enterobacteriacaea class were screened for ESBL production. PCR was used to detect SHV genes in ESBL positive isolates. Gel electrophoresis was performed and a total of 7 samples were positive. Conclusion: Of all the 68 games, only 7 samples were positive for SHV gene and hence a prevalence of 10.3%.