Abstract

Kingsley Chukwuka Amaihunwa1, Jewo Augustina Oghenevwaerhe2, Faith Akpakpan3,
Rita Oghenevwede Asigheghe3 and Oghenemaro Felix Enwa3*

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, often caused by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli (E. coli). The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli presents a significant clinical challenge due to multidrug resistance. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from UTI patients at Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, and assess their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. Methods: Midstream urine samples were collected from 50 patients with clinically suspected UTIs. Samples were cultured on MacConkey and CLED agar, and isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. ESBL production was confirmed using the combined disk method with ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and augmentin. Results: Out of 50 urine samples, 20 E. coli isolates were identified. Of these, 13 (65%) were confirmed as ESBL producers. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated the highest activity, with 85% of isolates susceptible, while ampicillin, cephalexin, augmentin, and nalidixic acid showed poor efficacy. Moderate susceptibility was recorded for streptomycin, gentamicin, ofloxacin, and perfloxacin. Resistance to nalidixic acid was observed in all isolates. The findings highlight the need for empirical therapy guided by susceptibility testing. Conclusion: The high prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in UTI patients at DELSUTH underscores the urgent need for routine ESBL screening and informed antibiotic stewardship. Ciprofloxacin remains a viable treatment option, while carbapenems should be reserved for multidrug-resistant cases.