Isolation and Characterization of Carbapenamase-Producing Klebsiella spp from Formites in Madonna University, Elele

Oluchi J. Osuala; Yochi F. Soronnadi; Chinyere C. Ezemba; Victor O. Etikudike; Victor E. Ike; Charles O.  Nnadi; Angus N. Oli

doi:10.59493/advpbl/2025.1.5

Authors

Oluchi J. Osuala
Yochi F. Soronnadi
Chinyere C. Ezemba
Victor O. Etikudike
Victor E. Ike
Charles O. Nnadi
Angus N. Oli

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59493/advpbl/2025.1.5

Keywords:

Antimicrobial resistance; Carbapenemase; Environmental reservoirs; Fomites; Healthcare-associated infections; Madonna University; Multidrug resistance

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella spp. (CPK) constitutes a serious public health hazard owing to their multidrug-resistant characteristics, limiting treatment choices, and worsening healthcare difficulties. This work is intended to identify and characterize CPK from fomites at Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria. One hundred (100) samples were collected aseptically from four locations: the girls' hostel, the boys' hostel, the hospital area, and the church area at Madonna University, Elele Campus. Using nutritional broth and Eosin Methylene Blue agar, Klebsiella spp. were identified based on colonial appearance and biochemical properties. Twelve antibiotics were used for an antibiotic susceptibility test conducted on Mueller-Hinton Agar, utilising the disc diffusion method. Results showed that the prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was 35%, distributed uniformly throughout the studied locales. Alarmingly, all isolates indicated Multidrug resistance (MDR), including 100% resistance to Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Nalidixic Acid, and Nitrofurantoin. Imipenem demonstrated the greatest susceptibility rate at 22.9%. Carbapenemase production was found in 11.4% of isolates, limited to the girls' hostel and hospital regions. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the occurrence of Klebsiella sp. across sites (p = 0.3175), suggesting broad environmental contamination. The results underline the critical need for antimicrobial stewardship and better infection control procedures. Additionally, the research reveals the environmental reservoirs of CPK, underlining the crucial function of fomites in pathogen spread across hospital and community settings. This work adds significant data to assist treatments aimed at reducing the development of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Klebsiella spp. It illustrates the necessity of focused policies for antibiotic usage and hygiene management in institutional contexts.

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