High levels of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in a major teaching hospital in Ghana: the need for regular monitoring and evaluation of antibiotic resistance

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Nov;89(5):960-964. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0642. Epub 2013 Sep 16.

Abstract

Infections with bacteria producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are increasing across Africa. This study reports on ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae as significant causes of infections and antibiotic resistance at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Of 300 isolates examined, 49.3% produced ESBLs. The prevalence of ESBLs was significantly high among isolates from neonates (28 of 43, 65.1%; relative risk = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-2.13, P = 0.002) and adult patients > 65 years of age (36 of 51, 70.5%; relative risk = 1.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.41-2.40, P = 0.001). A marked increase in minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESBL-positive species was noticed compared with those for the other strains. Using these concentrations, we found that 26 (17%) ESBL producers were resistant to two or more antibiotics (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamide, and carbapenems) whereas 5 (3.2%) non-ESBL producers were multidrug resistant. Regular ESBL detection and evaluation of antibiotic resistance may help reduce the spread of ESBLs and antibiotic resistance in Ghana.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoglycosides / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carbapenems / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / enzymology
  • Enterobacteriaceae / genetics
  • Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / diagnosis
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / drug therapy*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones / therapeutic use
  • Gene Expression
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Hospitals, Teaching
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use
  • beta-Lactam Resistance / drug effects
  • beta-Lactam Resistance / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Sulfonamides
  • beta-Lactamases