Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Metallo-BetaLactamases (MBLs) Among Healthy and Hospitalized Children in Abraka and Eku Communities, Delta State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to detect the prevalence of Metallo-Beta-Lactamases (MBLs) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases  (ESBLs) in bacterial isolates from clinical and community settings of two communities in Delta State, Nigeria. Eighty four isolates obtained from blood, urine, wound and stool of patients and community subjects were analyzed and identified by standard microbiological methods. Carbapenemase detection was carried out using modified Hodge test. EDTA-disc synergy test was used todetect MBLs production in 26.2% of the isolates. ESBLs production determined by double disc synergy test (DDST) was detected in 36.7% isolates of Escherichia coli, 37.5% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 75% of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Co-production of MBL and ESBL was observed in 31.8% of the isolates. The study observed 2 major troubling findings. The first is the prevalence and co-production of MBLs and ESBLs both in hospitalized patients and in isolates of healthy community children. Second, antibiotic resistantbacteria may be able to persist in the community free from the high selective pressure pervading in clinical settings. There is therefore the need for increased surveillance. Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Multidrug resistance, Healthy children, Beta-lactamases, Plasmid