ABSTRACT

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) are enzymes that confer resistance to most beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporin, and the aztreonams. The aim of this present study is to phenotypically identify and establish the presence of ESBL-producing organism among students in the university community. Within the University community of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, early morning urine samples of midstream-catch were collected into sterile bottles from sixty (60) students between ages 18 and 25years from the 2ndMay to 31st May. Thirty (30) male students and thirty (30) female students were sampled. Eighteen (18) isolates were identified after the following biochemical test were carried out: Gram staining, IMViC test (Indole test, methyl red test, Vogesproskauer test and citrate utilization test), and coagulase test. Twelve (12) isolates were from female students and six (6) isolates were from male students. The organisms identified were: Streptococcus spp, Corynebacteriumspp, Staphylococcus spp, and Escherichia coli. All theisolates were Gram positive except for one which was Gram negative. The double disc synergy test (DDST) was also carried out to phenotypically confirm the presence of ESBL producing organisms. All isolates were sensitive to the test drugs in the antimicrobial susceptibility test but there was no obvious DDST zones of inhibition. The result of the study suggests the absence of ESBL producing organisms among the students involved in this study.