ESBL-production in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Nigeria

The worldwide increase in infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is a concern. Surveillance is extensive in Europe, North America, and Asia. Yet, there is no summarizing surveillance in Africa. This study aimed to perform a preliminary investigation on the prevalence of ESBL-E in the northeastern part of Nigeria. However, of the 60 samples collected, we were able to culture 15 Escherichia coli and 7 Klebsiella spp. only. In the collection of clinical hospital samples, we found eight of 15 E. coli isolates to be ESBL (53%) and two out of seven Klebsiella spp. to be ESBL/AmpC (29%). Due to the limitations of this study, our findings cannot take a broad view on the prevalence of ESBL-E, in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Yet, to know which genes encode ESBL in Nigeria, and to know exact prevalence of every ESBL gene would be of importance.