Browsing by Author "Iwuji, C. O"

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    Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Rivers State, Nigeria
    (U. P., 2015) Odu, N. N.; Akujobi, C. O.; Iwuji, C. O
    Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of enterohemorrhagic escherichia coli 0157:H7 isolated from various samples obtained from three different areas of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria were investigated.Two hundred and forty (240) samples of fresh beef, dung, cabbages and carrots were obtained from three different areas of Port Hartcourt viz: Rumuokoro, Rumuji and Oginigba. Isolates were obtained on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar (SMAC) supplemented with cefixime and potassium tellurite following pre-enrichment on Triptycase Soy Broth supplemented with novobiocin and cefixime and incubated at 37˚C for 24h. Following routine biochemical tests, confirmation was carried out with the Wellcotex E. coli 0157:H7 specific antiserum (Oxoid, Uk). Both E.coli 0157 and E.coli 0157:H7 strains were isolated depending on the sample and sample site. Determination of beta lactamase enzyme production ability of the isolates revealed that most isolates produced Metallo β-lactamase enzyme while none of them produced Extended Spectrum β-lactamase enzyme (ESBL). The antibiotic susceptibility screening revealed that Nitrofurantoin, Ceftazidime, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were effective against the isolates obtained with the isolates being most sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. Due to its public health importance, although the prevalence level was very low, only the presence of one positive sample can serve as a source of a major chain of events. It is therefore very important to develop proper sanitary hygiene within and outside the home, vegetable farms and slaughter houses. The need for proper education of farm workers by the relevant government agencies cannot be overemphasized.