High rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing gram-negative infections and associated mortality in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria have become a serious threat to global health. Their rapid spread is associated with high mortality due to ineffective antibiotic treatment. To date a regular surveillance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in Ethiopia is not established. For this report, published data regarding ESBL-producing bacteria in different health facilities of Ethiopia were reviewed.

METHODS

This study collates data from published information on the rates and clinical implications of infection with ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Ethiopia. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Science Direct and Google scholar from October 2018 to March 2019. Eligible studies were identified by applying quality criteria. The pooled proportion of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria was estimated based on a random effect model. The publication bias and the variation in proportion estimates attributed to heterogeneity were assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with relevant data were included in the review. In total, 1649 Gram-negative bacteria isolated from 5191 clinical samples were included. The pooled proportion estimate of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria was 50% (95% CI: 47.7-52.5%. Data showed a high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 95%, P <  0.01). ESBL rates varied by species; 65.7% (263/400) in Klebsiella spp., 48.4% (90/186) in Salmonella spp., and 47.0% (383/815) in E. coli. ESBL-encoding genes were reported in 81 isolates: 67 isolates harbored the CTX-M-1 group and 14 isolates TEM. The mortality associated with infections by bacteria resistant to third generation cephalosporins has rarely been investigated. However, two studies reported a mortality of 33.3% (1/3) and 100% (11/11).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of ESBL-producing pathogens is alarmingly high. Data on mortality rates is scarce. This highlights the need for establishing and upgrading clinical microbiology laboratories in Ethiopia for routine antibiotic susceptibility testing and extended surveillance of multidrug resistance.