Amid the persistent global health challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase producing-Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) have emerged as critical public health pathogens. These microorganisms demand urgent research and the development of new drugs.
A study centered in the West region of Cameroon sought to identify the prevalence of these pathogens and the specific genes bestowing β-lactam resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both culprits in urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study ran from February to May 2023 at two healthcare facilities and collected mid-stream urine samples from UTIs patients. Various tests and methods, including the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and polymerase chain, were employed to identify and characterize these strains.
A total of 215 urine samples were analyzed during the study period, revealing a 31.62% prevalence of Enterobacterales. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for 79.41% and 14.70% of the detected strains, respectively, with an aggregate prevalence of ESBL-Enterobacterales at 64.70%. Notably, some 82% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), showing a high resistance level to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and ceftazidime. The resistant genes detected were blaCTX−M, and blaTEM.
These findings underscore the gravity of MDR and ESBL-E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from UTIs and the urgent need for routine screening and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance. To combat this escalating issue, the implementation of robust antimicrobial stewardship programs in the country and comprehensive infection prevention and control measures in hospital settings are integral.
Source: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-025-10483-8