A RECENT study at Jimma Medical Center in Southwest Ethiopia has revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among HIV-infected patients. The research focused on the faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), both of which pose serious health risks due to their resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Out of 344 stool samples from HIV patients, researchers isolated 376 Enterobacterales strains. The findings showed that 13.3% of these strains produced ESBL, while 4.3% were carbapenem-resistant, making them more difficult to treat. The most frequently detected ESBL-producing bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (29%) and Escherichia coli (13.4%). Similarly, K. pneumoniae was the most common carbapenem-resistant bacterium, followed by E. coli.
The study identified several key risk factors for the presence of these resistant bacteria. Patients with a history of cephalosporin antibiotic use were nearly eight times more likely to carry ESBL-producing strains, while those with lower CD4 counts (≤ 350 cells/µL) and other comorbidities were also at significantly higher risk. Additionally, 66.5% of the isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance, underscoring the serious challenge of treating infections in immunocompromised individuals.
These findings emphasise the urgent need for enhanced infection prevention and control measures, regular screening, and improved antibiotic stewardship in healthcare settings. By taking these steps, medical facilities can help curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and better protect vulnerable patients.
Reference
Befikadu et al. Faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales among HIV patients at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. BMC Microbiol. 2024;DOI:10.1186/s12866-024-03596-8.
