Detection of AMPC and ESBL Producers among Enterobacteriaceae in a Tertiary Health Care in, Kano- Nigeria

Resistance to broad spectrum β lactams, mediated by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESβL) and AmpC βL enzymes is fast spreading in Nigerian hospitals. Production of these enzymes has resulted in treatment failure especially if one of the second or third generation cephalosporins is used. A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of each enzyme and coproduction of the two enzymes among members of Enterobacteriaceae at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. A total of 550 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, Serratia spp., Morganella spp., Enterobacter spp. and Enteropathogenic E. coli from different clinical specimens were screened for both AmpC and ESBLs using AmpC Disc Test and Double Disk Synergy Test, respectively, over a period of 12 months. The overall prevalence of ESβLand AmpC βL-producing isolates in study was 15.8% (87/550) and 11.3% (62/550), respectively. Co-production of ESβL and AmpC βL was detected in 6.04% (9/149) of the isolates. Co-production was highest among Enterobacter spp (12.5%), followed by K. aerogenes (11.1%). This indicates that some members of Enterobacteriaceae in Kano possess the capacity to elaborate both AmpC and ESβLs concurrently, which may render them resistant to a multiple antibiotics.