ABSTRACT
Aims: The study was carried out in order to determine the plasmid profile, antibiotic
susceptibility pattern and the type of antimicrobial resistance (whether it is chromosomal
or plasmid mediated) among producers of extended spectrum beta-lactamases of
uropathogens in children.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study of three hundred children in a hospital.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics (Pediatrics Ward) and
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January 2009 to September 2010.
Methodology: Clean-catch urine samples were collected from 300 children aged 1
month to 16 years with suspected community acquired urinary tract infection. Isolated
bacteria were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial
susceptibility test was carried out by disc diffusion method. Extended Spectrum Beta-
Lactamase (ESBL) was determined among the Gram-negative bacteria using double
disc synergy test (DDST). The plasmid DNA of the bacterial isolates was extracted using alkalysis method and electrophoresed on 0.8% agarose gel stained with 2?l ethidium
bromide (EtBr).
Result: The result of the study showed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest
prevalence among gram positive bacteria. Escherichia coli had the highest prevalence
among gram negative bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus showed cross resistance
towards some of the antimicrobial agents. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas showed
multiple drug resistance. All the uropathogens isolated were 100% susceptible to
imipenem. The study highlights among the ESBL-producers, plasmids of higher
molecular weight of 30Kb.
Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that appropriate antimicrobial agent be
administered to reduce the risk of multi-drug resistance and avert the ineffectiveness of
antimicrobial agents