Quinolone Resistance in E. coli from Accra, Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Namboodiri Sreela S, Opintan Japheth A, Lijek Rebeccah S, Newman Mercy J, Okeke Iruka N
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, USA
Hypothesis
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials, particularly quinolones, in E. coli from Accra, Ghana.
Conclusion
Quinolone-resistant E. coli are commonly present in the faecal flora of Accra residents, having evolved resistance through multiple mechanisms.
Supporting Evidence
- 13.7% of 293 E. coli isolates were nalidixic acid-resistant.
- Resistance to ciprofloxacin was found in 52% of isolates from 2006 and 2007, and 67% in 2008.
- All but one quinolone-resistant isolate was resistant to three or more other antimicrobial classes.
- 28 quinolone-resistant E. coli had a substitution at position 83 of the gyrA gene.
Takeaway
This study found that many E. coli bacteria in Accra, Ghana, are resistant to important antibiotics, which could make treating infections harder.
Methodology
The study involved antimicrobial susceptibility testing on fecal E. coli isolates collected from healthy individuals in Accra over three years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling as isolates were collected from individuals presenting for medical check-ups.
Limitations
The study may not represent all E. coli strains in Ghana due to the specific sampling method.
Participant Demographics
Isolates were collected from consenting, apparently healthy individuals in Accra, Ghana.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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