Occurrence of Multidrug Resistance among E. coli O157:H7 Isolated fromStool Samples Obtained from Hospitalized Children

A survey of the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains obtained from stool samples collected from children with diarrhea attending General hospital Warri, General Hospital Agbor, Eku General Hospital and University of Benin teaching Hospital was carried out. All isolates were obtained using standard microbiological and biochemical procedures. Serological analysis to detect E. coli O157 strains was carried out using the dry spot E. coli O157 test kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using disc diffusion method. A total of 46 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from the 60 stool samples. All Escherichia coli isolated were 100% resistant to cefixime. The lowest level of resistance was observed in nitrofuratoin (15%). Serotypes O157 exhibited 100% resistance to ceftazidime, cefuroxime and cefixime. The ability of E. coli O157 strains to transfer antimicrobial resistance traits by conjugation was detected using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as recipient. High level of resistance transferred was observed. The ease of transfer exhibited by E. coli O157 strains amongst children in this study is an issue of concern. As such, an early identification and understanding of the epidemiology of this resistance will enable the development of preventive strategies which can curtail this emerging resistance, thereby facilitating a timely and appropriate public health response.