Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase resistant genes (CTX-M and TEM) among Escherichia coli isolates from Entebbe.

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of ESBL genes (CTXM and TEM) among E.coli isolates obtained from Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital. 32 E.coli isolates were collected from patients not responding to treatment at the hospital. Molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes was done on all 32 isolates. Out of the 32 isolates, 7 were found to carry the TEM gene, and the prevalence of the gene was 21%. 1 out of 32 isolates (3%) was found to carry the CTXM gene. The results revealed that TEM was the most frequent ESBL type (21%), followed by CTXM (3%) isolates. There was no occurrence of more than one gene in all of the isolates. The results indicate that there is a presence of ESBL genes associated with antimicrobial resistance among the E.coli isolates from Entebbe regional referral hospital. There is a need for surveillance measures to be taken to control the spread among the community.