Determination of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Kindirmo in Nasarawa Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study examined the antibiotic resistance patterns of beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in Kindirmo, a traditional fermented milk product, in Nasarawa town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It identifies the prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing E. coli in Kindirmo, highlighting a 5.92% contamination rate and revealing complete resistance to six antibiotics among the isolates. The study underscores the public health risks associated with consuming Kindirmo and calls for stringent hygiene measures during its production and sale to protect consumers. Full Abstract This study investigates the antibiotic resistance patterns of beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in Kindirmo in Nasarawa town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.  Over five months, 169 samples were collected from four sampling points.  Escherichia coli was isolated using the streak-plating method and identified through biochemical tests.  All isolates tested positive for beta-lactamase production.  The agar-disc diffusion technique assessed the beta-lactamase-producing E. coli strains' susceptibility to 10 antibiotics.  Out of 169 samples, 10 were contaminated with E. coli, resulting in a prevalence of 5.92%.  The isolates showed complete resistance to six antibiotics, while 70% and 50% demonstrated susceptibility to ofloxacin, pefloxacin, and gentamicin, respectively.  Six antibiotic-resistance phenotypes were identified among the E. coli isolates.  The presence of beta-lactamase-producing E. coli in Kindirmo suggests that consuming the product in the area poses a risk to consumers.  Authorities should enforce basic hygiene requirements during production and sales to safeguard public health.