Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major global public health threat. The emergence and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria have significantly reduced the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics. Escherichia coli, a common commensal organism of the human gastrointestinal tract, is one of the principal producers of ESBL enzymes and may cause severe infections, particularly in children. In settings characterised by poor sanitation, contaminated water supplies, and inappropriate antibiotic use, ESBL-producing E. coli poses a serious therapeutic challenge.
Aim:
This study investigated the prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli among children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methods:
Stool samples were collected from children aged 1–15 years presenting with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Samples were transported in sterile containers to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University for analysis. Isolation was performed using MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Suspected colonies were sub-cultured to obtain pure isolates. Identification of E. coli was confirmed by colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests, including indole, motility, catalase, methyl red, and citrate utilisation tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disc diffusion method with imipenem (10 µg), ofloxacin (5 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), cefepime (30 µg), ceftazidime (10 µg), cefotaxime (30 µg), and amoxicillin (30 µg). ESBL production was confirmed using disc synergy testing with ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and amoxicillin, with enhanced zones of inhibition indicating ESBL positivity.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli among children in Port Harcourt, underscoring the need for continuous surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and improved hygiene practices to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
