Isolation and Characterisation of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Fomites in Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59493/advpbl/2025.1.3Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance; Carbapenemase; Multidrug resistance; Fomites; Environmental contamination; HygieneAbstract
The rise of carbapenem-resistant bacteria exemplifies a significant worldwide health concern due to antibiotic resistance. This research examined the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPE) obtained from fomites at Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria. One hundred swab samples were obtained from commonly touched surfaces at five sites: hospital, school, church, boys' hostel, and girls' hostel. Samples were cultivated using conventional microbiological procedures, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed utilizing the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The Modified Hodge Test was used to evaluate carbapenemase production. Of 100 samples, 8% produced E. coli isolates, with the hospital area exhibiting the greatest incidence at 12%. Antibiotic susceptibility tests demonstrated significant multidrug resistance (MDR), with all isolates displaying a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index over 0.2. The highest MAR values (0.9–1.0) were recorded in isolates from the hospital vicinity. Resistance was particularly severe against beta-lactams (Ampiclox, Cefuroxime, and Cefotaxime), whereas Ofloxacin displayed the maximum effectiveness. Nonetheless, none of the isolates exhibited good results for carbapenemase synthesis. The results reinforce fomites' importance as potential MDR bacteria reservoirs and highlight the hospital area as a key contamination hotspot. The research underlines the critical need for increased hygiene standards, frequent environmental monitoring, and antibiotic stewardship to limit the emergence of resistant bacteria in academic contexts.
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