Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Escherichia coli Isolated from Children Admitted at Selected Health Care Facilities in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

This chapter aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from children admitted at selected health care facilities in Moshi municipality, Tanzania. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram negative bacteria has become a major public health concern worldwide. The currently available information on the prevalence and patterns of AMR to different geographical regions has demonstrated that it is on rise. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted during October 2017 to April 2018.

The study sought to answer the following questions:  What are the carriage rates of Escherichia coli among children admitted at selected health facilities in Moshi municipality, What is the resistance rates of Escherichia coli isolated from children against the commonly used antibiotics in Moshi Municipality and What is the prevalence of the Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolates from children admitted at health facilities in Moshi municipality?

In this investigation, Escherichia coli was identified from all 282 cultured archived rectal swabs, and all isolates were sensitive to amikacin and meropenem. Extended spectrum beta lactamase producers made up 13.1% of the total, while non-extended spectrum beta lactamase producers made up 86.9%.  Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 282 isolates on the commonly used antimicrobial agents: ampicillin (83%), trimethoprim (75.9%), cefuroxime (32.6%), ceftriaxone (30.1%), ceftazidime (29.4%), ciprofloxacin (27.7%), amoxicillin/clavunic (24%), gentamicin (21%), chloramphenicol (16.3%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (8.1%). Ampicillin resistance was found in all Extended Spectrum beta lactamase generating isolates. Amikacin and meropenem are remain the antibiotics of choice for second-line therapy of E. coli infections. The majority of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim. Both ESBL and non-ESBL producing Escherichia coli displayed resistance to routinely used antibiotics; therefore, more research is needed to understand the processes employed by non-ESBL producing Escherichia coli to develop resistance.