RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MULTIPLE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE INDEX AND EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA–LACTAMASE AMONG CLINICAL ISOLATES OF Escherichia coli
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Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to effective infection management, with Escherichia coli recognized as a key contributor due to its role in both community and hospital-acquired infections of particular concern are extended- spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, which hydrolyze third-generation cephalosporins and are frequently associated with multidrug resistance. This study investigated the relationship between the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index and ESBL production among E. coli isolates obtained from clinical specimens at the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A total of 51 isolates were analyzed
using standard microbiological and susceptibility techniques. ESBL production was confirmed in 9 isolates (17.6%), all from urine samples, consistent with previous reports that highlight urinary tract infections as the leading source of ESBL-producing E. coli. The MAR index values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0, with 31.4% of isolates
exhibiting MAR = 1.0, underscoring the high antibiotic selection pressure in hospital environments. Although ESBL production was more frequent at higher MAR values, statistical analysis showed no significant correlation (p = 0.1677). This contrasts with
findings from other regions where ESBL producers consistently demonstrate elevated MAR indices. The presence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in UBTH underscores the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies to mitigate treatment failures and resistance dissemination in Nigeria.
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A total of 51 isolates were analyzed
using standard microbiological and susceptibility techniques. ESBL production was confirmed in 9 isolates (17.6%), all from urine samples, consistent with previous reports that highlight urinary tract infections as the leading source of ESBL-producing E. coli. The MAR index values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0, with 31.4% of isolates
exhibiting MAR = 1.0, underscoring the high antibiotic selection pressure in hospital environments. Although ESBL production was more frequent at higher MAR values, statistical analysis showed no significant correlation (p = 0.1677). This contrasts with
findings from other regions where ESBL producers consistently demonstrate elevated MAR indices. The presence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in UBTH underscores the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies to mitigate treatment failures and resistance dissemination in Nigeria.
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