A systematic review on the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

There are numerous reported cases of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae in Nigeria. Yet, there are regions in Nigeria where cases of ESBL were under-reported. The review aims to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Nigeria and the genes involved.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was carried out through an electronic database including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals Online (AJOL). Articles published between January 2004 and November 2019 were included in the study. The titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were reviewed, and then the full texts of the selected articles were reviewed. Articles were divided according to geopolitical zones.

RESULTS

Among the 217 articles identified, 60 studies (10 from north-central, 4 from northeast, 7 from the northwest, 17 from the southeast, 10 from south-south, and 12 from southwest Nigeria) were included. The highest prevalence recorded was 82.3%, while the lowest was 7.5%. The genes TEM, SHV, and CTX-M were the predominant variant commonly found. The most frequently used phenotypic detection method is the double disc synergy test (DDST).

CONCLUSION

ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria in hospital and community settings in Nigeria were commonly found. The prevalence of ESBL is very high, with one of the geopolitical zones under-reported. Future research should be conducted in these zones where there are scant studies, and a holistic approach involving the clinicians, researchers, laboratory scientists, and patients will go a long way in reducing the dissemination of this resistance mechanism.