Bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among pediatric patients with urinary tract infections

Antimicrobial resistance and ESBL production in uropathogenic Escherichia coli: a systematic review and meta-analysis in Ethiopia

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global health systems. Escherichia coli is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Understanding the AMR patterns of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is crucial for effective public health interventions worldwide.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing research and provide a comprehensive information on AMR UPEC in Ethiopia.

Methods

We systematically searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, along with including articles from Google Scholar. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATA 17.0. Cohen's kappa was computed to assess reviewer agreement, while the I2 statistic evaluated heterogeneity. Egger's tests were conducted to detect publication bias, and random-effects models were utilized to estimate the pooled resistance, with AMR rates for each antibiotic pooled separately.

Results

UPEC showed resistance rates, ranging from 3.64% (95% CI: -4.38% to 11.67%) for amikacin to 85.32% (95% CI: 78.6%-92.04%) for ampicillin. Highest resistance was to ampicillin (85.32%), followed by amoxicillin at 82.52% (95% CI: 74.3%-90.74%), tetracycline at 60.67% (95% CI: 51.53%-69.81%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole at 57.17% (95% CI: 49.93%-64.42%). Conversely, resistance rates were lower for amikacin at 3.64% and meropenem at 5.26% (95% CI: 2.64%-7.88%). UPEC demonstrated a pooled MDR rate of 79.17% (95% CI: 70.32%-88.01%) and a pooled ESBL production rate of 29.16% (95% CI: 22.36%-38.55%).

Conclusions

High levels of AMR were observed in UPEC strains, highlighting a critical public health issue requiring urgent action through robust antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance to preserve effective UTI treatment options.

Antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacterales infections among children in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been estimated to be the highest in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The current study estimated the proportion of drug-resistant Enterobacterales causing infections in SSA children.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify retrospective and prospective studies published from 01/01/2005 to 01/06/2022 reporting AMR of Enterobacterales causing infections in sub-Saharan children (0-18 years old). Studies were excluded if they had unclear documentation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods or fewer than ten observations per bacteria. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by two authors independently. The primary outcome was the proportion of Enterobacterales resistant to antibiotics commonly used in paediatrics. Proportions were combined across studies using mixed-effects logistic regression models per bacteria and per antibiotic. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021260157).

Findings

After screening 1111 records, 122 relevant studies were included, providing data on more than 30,000 blood, urine and stool isolates. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. were the predominant species, both presenting high proportions of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, especially in blood cultures: 40.6% (95% CI: 27.7%-55%; I2: 85.7%, number of isolates (n): 1032) and 84.9% (72.8%-92.2%; I2: 94.1%, n: 2067), respectively. High proportions of resistance to other commonly used antibiotics were also observed. E. coli had high proportions of resistance, especially for ampicillin (92.5%; 95% CI: 76.4%-97.9%; I2: 89.8%, n: 888) and gentamicin (42.7%; 95% CI: 30%-56.5%; I2: 71.9%, n: 968). Gentamicin-resistant Klebsiella spp. were also frequently reported (77.6%; 95% CI: 65.5%-86.3%; I2: 91.6%, n: 1886).

Interpretation

High proportions of resistance to antibiotics commonly used for empirical treatment of infectious syndromes were found for Enterobacterales in sub-Saharan children. There is a critical need to better identify local patterns of AMR to inform and update clinical guidelines for better treatment outcomes.

Funding

No funding was received.

Bacterial Etiology of Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiogram Profile in Children Attending Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Bacterial urinary tract infections are important public health problems in children. This study was conducted to identify the bacterial agents of urinary tract infections and antibiogram patterns in children.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study including 220 children was carried out between November 15, 2021, and March 10, 2022. Simple random sampling was used to enroll participants. The sociodemographic and clinically pertinent information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Every participant in the study who was ≤15 years old gave clean-catch midstream urine. Urine samples were inoculated onto a cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar using a calibrated inoculating loop with a 0.001 ml capacity and then incubated aerobically for 24 hours at 37°C. Subculturing for significant bacteriuria was done on MacConkey and blood agar. Gram staining, biochemical assays, and colony characteristics were used for bacterial identification. The disc diffusion method developed by Kirby and Bauer was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. SPSS software version 25 was used for data entry and analysis. To find the risk factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. An association was deemed statistically significant if the p value at the 95 percent confidence interval was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, the majority (50.5%) of the study participants were males. The mean age of the study participants was 6 ± 0.91 years. It was found that 31.8% of children had urinary tract infections. The most prevalent urinary pathogens among the isolates were E. coli (27.1%) and S. aureus (18.6%). Approximately 56% of the participants were infected with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Additionally, compared to children who have never had a urinary tract infection, children with a history of infection had 1.04 (95 percent confidence interval (CI): 0.39, 2.75) times higher risk of infection.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown an alarming increase in the prevalence of pediatric urinary tract infections which warrants further investigation into multidrug-resistant bacterial infection.

Magnitude and associated factors of bacterial urinary tract infections among paediatric patients in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI) commonly occur in children; if left untreated, they may result in severe consequences such as uro-sepsis and renal damage. This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors among paediatric patients suspected of urinary tract infections in Arba Minch General Hospital (AMGH). An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 October 2020 to 31 January 2021. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the participants; data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. To quantify the bacteria (as per the Kass count, >10⁵CFU/ml), midstream urine samples were streaked onto bacteriological media. Isolates were identified by following standard procedures. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed as per the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Out of the 246 children included, 38 (15.4%) were found to be positive for significant bacteriuria. Isolates of Escherichia coli, 9/38 (23.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus, 9/38 (23.7%), were the most predominant. The majority of Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) isolates showed resistance towards amoxicillin-clavulanate (89.5%), ampicillin (84.6%), and ceftazidime (81%). Likewise, 76.9 and 76.5% of Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), respectively, had shown resistance towards co-trimoxazole and tetracycline. Multi-drug and extensively drug resistance were detected respectively in the case of 68.4 and 15.8% of the total isolates; ESBL production was found in 57.1% of GNB, whereas 55.6% of S. aureus were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The process of un-circumcision was significantly associated with UTI [(adjusted odds ratio= 3.578; 95% confidence interval: 1.263 - 10.13; p=0.016)].

Retrospective Analysis of Urinary Tract Infection in the Pediatric Population at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common infections occurring during childhood. It is caused by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli is the most common causative agent.

Methods: Data of all pediatric patients in the age group of 6 months to 18 years with urinary tract infection were taken for analysis. Urine samples were collected and cultured on the cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient medium. The presence of bacteria was identified using biochemicals, and the antimicrobial test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer test or the VITEK 2 compact system (bioMérieux, Inc., France).

Results: The prevalence of UTI was 23.5%. In total, 614 specimens tested positive with significant bacteriuria. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.3. Approximately 54% patients presented with urinary symptoms alone. Culture positivity was significantly associated with pyuria (p < 0.0001). E. coli (334/614) was the most common isolate, followed by Enterococcus spp. (92/614). Colistin, polymyxin B, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, netilmicin, and amikacin were extremely good acting antimicrobials. Meanwhile, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and norfloxacin were highly resistant to gram-negative bacteria. Multidrug-resistant bacteria and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria were found in 47% and 44.1% of cases, respectively. Vancomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin, and nitrofurantoin were highly effective against gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, norfloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline were highly resistant to gram-positive bacteria. Of the 92, 42 Enterococcus spp. were resistant to high-dose gentamicin.

Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin and amikacin can be used as empirical therapy for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Because resistance to various commonly used antibiotics is found to be increasing, treatment must be guided by antibiotic susceptibility reports.

Bacterial and Fungal Profile, Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Pathogens and Associated Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection Among Symptomatic Pediatrics Patients Attending St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Urinary tract infection is a common infection in pediatrics. Understanding the common etiology of urinary tract infections, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated risk factors in a particular setting can provide evidence for the appropriate treatment of the cases.

Purpose

The current study is aimed to determine the common etiology and prevalence of uropathogens associated with urinary tract infection, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates, and to identify risk factors associated with urinary tract infection among pediatric patients.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College between October 2019 and July 2020. Urine was collected aseptically from patients, inoculated onto culture media, and incubated at 37 °C for 18–48 hours. Bacteria and yeast were identified following standard procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens was carried out by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Descriptive statistics and logistical regressions were used to estimate the crude ratio with a 95% confidence interval. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Significant bacterial/fungal growth was observed in 65 samples giving a prevalence of 28.6% of which 75.4% (49/65) and 24.6% (16/65) were bacterial and fungal pathogens, respectively. About 79.6% of bacterial etiology were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The highest resistance was observed against ampicillin (100%), cefazolin (92.1%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (84.1%), both of which are commonly used for empirical treatment in Ethiopia. Length of hospital stay (P=0.01) and catheterization (P=0.04) were statistically associated with urinary tract infection.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of urinary tract infection was observed in our study. Enterobacteriaceae were the major cause of urinary tract infection. Length of hospital stay and catheterization were significantly associated with urinary tract infection. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were extremely resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

The effect of preoperative urine culture and bacterial species on infection after percutaneous nephrolithotomy for patients with upper urinary tract stones

To study the relationship between preoperative urine culture, bacterial species and infection after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with upper urinary tract stones, and summarize the clinical characteristics of different bacterial infections. From January 2014 and January 2020, 963 patients with upper urinary tract stones who underwent PCNL in the department of urology of Fujian provincial hospital were included in the study. Information included the patient’s age, gender, weight, diabetes, chronic disease history, urine routine, preoperative urine culture results, stone size, number of stones, hydronephrosis level, operation time, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, bilirubin, platelets and whether there was preoperative infection were recorded. 141 patients (14.6%) had a positive urine culture before surgery, and 7 of them had multiple bacterial infections. The most common pathogenic bacteria was Escherichia coli, followed by Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A total of 74 cases (7.7%) of 963 patients with infection after PCNL occurred, 24 cases (32.4%) of infected patients progressed to urinary septic shock. Univariate analysis shown that the probability of infection in patients with long operation time and positive urine culture was significantly higher, and the difference was statistically significant. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis shown that positive urine culture before operation and long operation time were independent risk factors for infection after PCNL. Among the 29 patients with septic shock, 18 cases (62.1%) had a positive urine culture before surgery. The incidence (43.9%) of postoperative infection in Escherichia coli positive patients was significantly higher than that in the negative group, and the difference was statistically significant. The rate of patients with Escherichia coli infection progressing to septic shock was 9 cases (60%). 2 patients with Enterococcus faecium infection and 2 patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection all progressed to septic shock. The age of patients with post-PCNL infection caused by Escherichia Coli, Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 58.53 ± 11.73 years, 76.5 years and 74 years.The body temperature of patients with post-PCNL infection caused by Escherichia Coli, Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 39.10 ± 0.25 °C, 39.45 °C and 38.65 °C. The highest pct value of patients with post-PCNL infection caused by Escherichia Coli, Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 80.62 ± 31.45 ng/mL, 24.32 ng/mL and 8.45 ng/mL. The nitrite positive rate of patients with post-PCNL infection caused by Escherichia Coli, Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 64.51%, 16.6% and 0. Postoperative infection of PCNL is significantly correlated with positive preoperative urine culture, and positive preoperative urine culture is an independent risk factor for postoperative infection. The most common pathogen of postoperative infection of PCNL is Escherichia coli, followed by Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Patients with Escherichia coli infection are often positive for nitrite before surgery, mainly manifested by high fever, and PCT is significantly increased (often exceeded 100 ng/ml). Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections mostly occur in elderly patients and often progress to septic shock. Patients with Enterococcus faecium infection have a high fever, and the PCT value is significantly higher (often exceeded 20 ng/ml). Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection have a moderate fever, and the PCT value generally does not exceeded 10 ng/ml. Long operation time is another independent risk factor for PCNL infection.

Bacterial Uropathogens, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile and Associated Factors among Pediatric Patients in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in the pediatric group may lead to end-stage renal dysfunction later in life. Tracking the type of the isolates and their antimicrobial resistance pattern would impact the management of UTI in these group. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of bacterial uropathogenes, their antimicrobial susceptibility profile and factors associated with significant bacteriuria (SBU) among pediatric patients at selected facilities in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1^st February to 30^th June 2020. About 5-10ml of urine samples were collected from pediatrics presumptive for UTI and a urine sample was considered positive for SBU if a single organism was grown at a concentration of ≥10⁴cfu/ml. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with SBU and statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the total 299 study participants, the majority 173 (57.9%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 6.6 years. The proportion of significant bacteriuria was at 49(16.4%). Most, 37 (75.5%) of the isolates were Gram-negative. The most predominant isolate was E. coli, 21(42.9%) followed by P. aeruginosa, 6(12.2%) and coagulase negative staphylococci, 6(12.2%). The level of multi-drug resistance among Gram-positive and Gram-negatives was at 50% and 78.4%, respectively. Participants' sex, circumcision status, having a flank pain and being malnourished were statistically associated with significant bacteriuria.

CONCLUSION

Actions to minimize antimicrobial resistance should be strengthened to reduce the impact of UTI among the pediatric group.

Extensive drug-resistance in strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from paediatric urinary tract infections

Objectives

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are rapidly increasing worldwide and are commonly caused by extensively drug-resistant bacteria. This study determines the prevalence of UTIs in paediatric patients and evaluates the pattern of extensively drug-resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiellapneumoniae strains isolated from paediatric UTI patients.

Methods

Uropathogenic bacterial strains were isolated from paediatric patients with UTIs admitted to the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. Strains of both E. coli and K. pneumoniae were identified using biochemical characterisation and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility assays for 21 common antimicrobial drugs in order to determine their extensively drug-resistant profile.

Results

We isolated 63 E. coli and 37 K. pneumoniae strains from 130 paediatric patients with UTIs over a period of six months. The antibiotic susceptibility assays showed that both the E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains exhibited a high degree of resistance against co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, pepedemic acid, and co-trimoxazole. However, several of the antimicrobial agents, including polymyxin B, colistin sulphate, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin, were found to retain their antimicrobial activities against both pathogens. The five highest antibiotic resistant strains were identified as E. coli strains ZK9, ZK40, and ZK60 and K. pneumoniae ZK32 and ZK89 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that E. coli and K. pneumonia are the dominant extensively drug-resistant uropathogenic bacteria in community-acquired UTIs in our cohort. These uropathogens were found to be resistant to the majority of the routinely-used classes of β-lactams, pyridopyrimidines, quinolones, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and these findings may be useful for clinicians in their treatment of paediatric UTIs.

Ampicillin-sulbactam monotherapy in infants with febrile urinary tract infections

BACKGROUND

Cephalosporin is the most commonly used empirical agent for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. However, increasing use of cephalosporins can lead to an increase in resistant pathogens. This study therefore aims to investigate the effects of monotherapy with ampicillin-sulbactam as an alternative to cephalosporins.

METHODS

All 2- to 24-month-old patients who were hospitalized at Pusan National University Children's Hospital due to a first episode of a febrile UTI during the 2-year period from 2012 to 2014 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their empirical therapy (cefotaxime or ampicillin-sulbactam). We determined the patients' UTI pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibilities and compared the effectiveness and the occurrence of adverse effects of ampicillin-sulbactam and cephalosporin therapy.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were treated with cefotaxime (group A) and 41 patients with ampicillin-sulbactam as the empirical antibiotic (group B). The most common pathogen in both groups was Escherichia coli, and antibiotic susceptibilities of the bacterial strains isolated from both groups were similar in ampicillin-sulbactam and cefotaxime. In addition, there was no significant difference in the duration of fever after treatment between the two groups (group A: 2.0 versus group B: 3.0, P = 0.331). There were no treatment failures and no recurrence in either group, even in patients with resistant pathogens. The most common side effect of the antibiotic agents was diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Ampicillin-sulbactam could be an effective alternative to cephalosporin as empiric antibiotic for the treatment of first-episode UTI in patients under 24 months of age.

Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot comprehensive and specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective study

Background

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. Understanding the characteristics of uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in a particular setting can provide evidence for the appropriate management of cases. This study aimed to assess the bacterial profile of urinary tract infection, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated factors among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February–April, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was employed. A mid-stream urine sample was inoculated on cystine lactose electrolyte deficient media and incubated for 24–48 h. Sub-culturing was done on Mac-Conkey and blood agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar. A binary logistic regression model was used to see the association between dependent and independent factors. A p-value< 0.05 at 95% CI was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was 16.7% (95% CI 12.4–21.1). Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates were recovered with a rate of 44/50 (88%) and 6/50 (12%) respectively. Among Gram-negative isolates, E. coli 28/44(63.6%) was predominant while S. saprophyticus 2/6(33.3%) was prevalent among Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Overall, a high level of resistance to ampicillin, augmentin, and tetracycline was shown by Gram-negative bacteria with a rate of 44/44(100%), 39/44(88.6%), and36/44 (81.8%) respectively. About 33/50(66%) of overall multidrug resistance was observed (95% CI 52–78). About six Gram-negative bacterial isolates were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Having a history of urinary tract infection (P-0.003, AOR 1.86–22.15) and male uncircumcision (p-0.00, AOR 5.5–65.35) were the independent variables that associate for urinary tract infections.

Conclusion

In the present study, the prevalence of urinary tract infection among children was high and considerably a high proportion of multidrug resistance was observed. This result will have a significant impact on the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents for the treatment of urinary tract infection.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Bacterial Pathogens in Urinary Tract Infections in University Hospital of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" between 2017 and 2018

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common and expensive health problem globally. The treatment of UTIs is difficult owing to the onset of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The aim of this study was to define the incidence of infections, identify the bacteria responsible, and identify the antimicrobial resistance profile. Patients of all ages and both sexes were included in the study, all admitted to University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, between January 2017 and December 2018. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Phoenix BD. Among the 1745 studied patients, 541 (31%) and 1204 (69%) were positive and negative for bacterial growth, respectively. Of 541 positive patients, 325 (60%) were females, while 216 (39.9%) were males. The largest number of positive subjects was recorded in the elderly (>61 years). Among the pathogenic strains, 425 (78.5%) were Gram-negative, 107 (19.7%) were Gram-positive, and 9 (1.7%) were Candida species. The most isolated Gram-negative strain is Escherichia coli (E. coli) (53.5%). The most frequent Gram-positive strain was Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (12.9%). Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to ampicillin, whereas Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to erythromycin.

Prevalence of Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The emergence of Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) poses a major public health problem since it was first reported. Although the rising rates of VRE infections are being reported elsewhere in the worldwide; there is limited national pooled data in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of VRE and antimicrobial resistance profiles of enterococci in Ethiopia.

Methods

Literature search was done at PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar, African Journals online (AJOL) and Addis Ababa University repository following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Both published and unpublished studies reporting the prevalence of VRE until June 30, 2019 were included. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and copied to Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA 2.0) for analysis. Pooled estimate of VRE was computed using the random effects model and the 95% CIs. The level of heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² tests. Publication bias was checked by visual inspection of funnel plots and Begg’s and/or Egger’s test.

Results

Twenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and found with relevant data. A total of 831 enterococci and 71 VRE isolates were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of VRE was 14.8% (95% CI; 8.7–24.3; I² = 74.05%; P <  0.001). Compared to vancomycin resistance, enterococci had higher rate of resistance to Penicillin (60.7%), Amoxicillin (56.5%), Doxycycline (55.1%) and Tetracycline (53.7%). Relatively low rate of resistance was found for Daptomycin and Linezolid with a pooled estimate of 3.2% (95% CI, 0.5–19.7%) and 9.9% (95% CI, 2.8–29.0%); respectively. The overall pooled multidrug resistance (MDR) rate of enterococci was 60.0% (95% CI, 42.9–75.0%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of VRE and drug resistant enterococci are on the rise in Ethiopia. Enterococcal isolates showed resistance to one or more of the commonly prescribed drugs in different or the same drug lines. Multidrug resistant (MDR) enterococci were also found. Although the rates were low, the emergence of resistance to Daptomycin and Linezolid is an alarm for searching new ways for the treatment and control of VRE infections. Adherence to antimicrobial stewardship, comprehensive testing and ongoing monitoring of VRE infections in the health care settings are required.

Resistance profile of clinically relevant bacterial isolates against fluoroquinolone in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Fluoroquinolones are among the most frequently utilized antibacterial agents in developing countries like Ethiopia. Ciprofloxacin has become the most prescribed drug within this class and remains as one of the top three antibacterial agents prescribed in Ethiopia. However, several studies indicated that there is a gradual increase of antibacterial resistance. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively estimate the prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance bacterial isolates in Ethiopia.

Methods

Literature search was conducted from electronic databases and indexing services including EMBASE (Ovid interface), PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct and WorldCat. Data were extracted with structured format prepared in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 15.0 software for the analyses. Pooled estimation of outcomes was performed with DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model at 95% confidence level. Degree of heterogeneity of studies was presented with I² statistics. Publication bias was conducted with comprehensive meta-analysis version 3 software and presented with funnel plots of standard error supplemented by Begg’s and Egger’s tests. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO with reference number ID: CRD42018097047.

Results

A total of 37 studies were included for this study. The pooled prevalence of resistance in selected gram-positive bacterial isolates against ciprofloxacin was found to be 19.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0, 23.0). The degree of resistance among Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphyloccoci (CoNS), Enterococcus faecalis and Group B Streptococci (GBS) was found to be 18.6, 21.6, 23.9, and 7.40%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of resistance in gram-negative bacteria was about 21.0% (95% CI: 17, 25). Higher estimates were observed in Neisseria gonorrhea (48.1%), Escherichia coli (24.3%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (23.2%). Subgroup analysis indicated that blood and urine were found to be a major source of resistant S. aureus isolates. Urine was also a major source of resistant strains for CoNS, Klebsiella and Proteus species.

Conclusion

Among gram-positive bacteria, high prevalence of resistance was observed in E. faecalis and CoNS whereas relatively low estimate of resistance was observed among GBS isolates. Within gram-negative bacteria, nearly half of isolates in N. gonorrhoea were found ciprofloxacin resistant. From enterobacteriaceae isolates, K. pneumonia and E. coli showed higher estimates of ciprofloxacin resistance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40360-018-0274-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.