Plasmid Profile of Uropathogens among Children

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 2µl 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.