Antimicrobial Resistance In Escherichia coli in Nigeria

Escherichia coli a Gram-negative rod shaped bacteria found in the environment foods and in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals in health and disease is known to cause illnesses in both animals and humans. Treatment of E. coli infections largely employs antimicrobial drugs using beta-lactams sulfonamides-prymidines aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Widespread use of these agents has led to the emergence of resistant strains including multidrug-resistant strains. In Nigeria antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been shown in E. coli isolated from humans animals and environmental sources. The mechanisms of resistance include plasmid-mediated production of enzyme destructases (such as beta-lactamases aminoglycoside modifying enzymes and tetracycline destructases) Qnr protection proteins inhibiting quinolones and activation of efflux pumps; and chromosomal-mediated target alteration due to mutations in genes such as DNA gyrase (gyrA) and topoisomerase IV (parC) resulting to fluoroquinolones resistance; reduced drug uptake; and active efflux.