Characterization of Beta-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated in Healthcare Settings in Lomé, Togo

Aims: This study focuses on beta lactam resistance in, Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains isolated from healthcare facilities in the commune of Lomé.

Study Design: This descriptive study was conducted over a six-month period (February - July 2024) on all beta-lactam-resistant, E. coli strains isolated from all types of bacteriological samples received at the CHUs Sylvanus Olympio (SO) and Campus and at Bè Hospital.

Methodology: The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing and the results were interpreted according to the guidelines of the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology and The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (CA-SFM / EUCAST, 2023). ESBLs was carried out using the classic method based on the detection of synergy between an amoxicillin-clavulanic acid disk and two third-generation cephalosporin disks (cefotaxime and ceftazidime) and a fourth-generation cephalosporin disk (cefepime).

Results: Of the 173 ß-lactam-resistant, E. coli strains collected, 65.90% (114/173) came from CHU SO, 21.38% (37/173) from Chu Campus and 12.72% (22/173) from Hospital de Bè. The overall significantly prevalence rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates were 13.34% (108/821) and rate of carbapenem-resistant, E. coli isolates were 1,34% (11/821). Prevalence significantly rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing, E. coli isolates were 94,64% (108/114) from CHU SO, followed by 94,59% (35/37) from Chu Campus and 86,36% (19/22) from Hospital de Bè. Prevalence of carbapenem-resistant, E. coli isolates were 5,26% (6/114), 5,41% (2/37), and 6,36% (3/22) at CHU SO, Chu Campus, and Hospital de Bè, respectively.

Conclusion: This study highlights the emergence of E coli ESBL and Carbapenem resistant strains in the commune of Lomé, and therefore probably multi-resistant strains everywhere. Determining the prevalence of multi-resistant bacteria remains a means of monitoring resistance and the emergence of antibiotics.