ABSTRACT
Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing organisms (Enterobacteriaceae) pose a unique challenge to clinical microbiologists, clinicians, infection control professionals and antibacterial-discovery scientists. ESBLs are enzymes capable of hydrolyzing penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporins and are generally derived from TEM and SHV-type enzymes. Although, the prevalence of ESBLs is not known, it is clearly increasing. The strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae have been known to produce ESBLs. A prospective study was carried out at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Urine samples were obtained from the hospital. The samples were analyzed using cultural, morphological (gram reaction and shape) and biochemical characteristics (Indole, Motility, Voges Proskauer, Citrate, Urease, and Triple Sugar Iron). The bacterial isolates recovered were E.coli, P.mirabilis, K.pneumoniae, and K.oxytoca. E.coli was sensitive to most antibacterial agents except Amoxacillin (AM) and eptrin (STX). P.mirabilis was sensitive to all the antibacterial agents. K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca were resistant to Ciprofloxacin (CPX), Gentamycin (GN), and Streptomycin (S). Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca studied in this research work showed high resistance to the third generation cephalosporins used ; Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, and Cefotaxime which indicated the presence of ESBL production. The presence of ESBL productionwere phenotypically confirmed using beta lactamase inhibitor, Clavulanate. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca except Proteus mirabilis showed resistance to Cephalosporin plus Clavulanate which proves that they have the ESBL phenotypes.
