PREVALENCE OF PHENOTYPIC CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT ENTEROBACTERALES ISOLATES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION BY SEX, AGE GROUPS, STATE AND SPECIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Carbapenems were introduced in response to emergence of ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of phenotypic carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolates and their distribution by sex, age groups, state and species in South-East Nigeria. Materials &Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Department of Microbiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Abakaliki, Nigeria from 30th March 2019 to 12th January, 2021.All Enterobacterales isolates from various body specimens were eligible. Carbapenem-resistance was detected with ertapenem, meropenem, imipenem, and doripenem. Presence of carbapenem-resistance (yes/no) was single research variable. Sex, age group, state and species were grouping variables, all on nominal scale. All variables were analyzed by count and percentage with 95% confidence interval. Results: Out of 400 Enterobacterales isolates, 192 were from men and 208 from women. Prevalence of carbapenem-resistance was 117 (29.25%). The prevalence was higher 65 (16.25%) in women than 52 (13%) men. It was highest in age group 20-39 years 54 (13.50%), followed by ≥ 60 years age group 26 (6.50%). It was highest 39 (9.75%) in Enugu state, followed by 30 (7.50%) in Ebonyi state. Prevalence was highest in Escherichia coli 9.50%, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia 6.50%. Conclusion: In our population, prevalence of carbapenem-resistance to Enterobacterales isolates was higher (29.5%) than many studies. It was higher in women than men. It was highest in age group 20-39 years, followed by ≥60 years. It was highest in Enugu state, followed by Ebonyi state. Prevalence was highest in Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia.