Background and objectives: The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is causing increased morbidity and mortality around the world as a result of therapeutic failures. ESBL-E are priority pathogens due to their multidrug resistance (MDR). In Northern Cameroon, ESBL-producing bacteria, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs), are being increasingly isolated. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant ESBL strains isolated from UTIs in Northern Cameroon and to evaluate the effectiveness of the ATB UR Gallery of BioMérieux in diagnosing ESBL-E in clinical settings.Methods: Standard microbiology protocols and statistical tools were utilized to identify ESBL-producing bacteria and characterize their phenotypic susceptibility and resistance profiles in the study population.Results: Out of the 144 enterobacteria isolates successfully cultured, 59 (41%) were identified as MDR strains. The ATB UR EU gallery identified 33 (23%) multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing strains, while the double synergy test identified 35 strains without disc reconciliation and 38 strains after reconciliation. The most prevalent ESBL-E isolate was Escherichia coli, accounting for 77.1% of the isolates, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%) and Enterobacter aerogenes (2.9%). Additionally, the study revealed the emergence of Imipenem resistance (5.7%), a critical last-resort antibiotic. However, all ESBL strains were sensitive to Fosfomycin (FSF/FOS), demonstrating its potential as an effective therapeutic option. Moreover, 37% of the ESBL producers exhibited co-resistance to over 20 different antibiotics.Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of ESBL-E associated with UTIs in Northern Cameroon. These insights emphasizes the importance of implementing appropriate treatment guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship measures to mitigate the spread and impact of MDR ESBL-producing strains on public health.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (E-ESBLs) is currently a major public health problem in the world and, in particular, in developing countries. In Cameroon, data on E-ESBLs are rare, especially in Garoua and in the northern region of the country. The objective of this study is to document the epidemiology of E-ESBL infections in small children and to explore their associations with possible risk factors. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from June 14 to September 30, 2018, including small children with suspected urinary tract infections (UTI) attending the outpatient pediatric departments of two health facilities in the city of Garoua. Urine samples were analyzed at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the Pasteur Center of Cameroon, Annex Garoua. Bacterial culture was carried out on Bio-Rad UriSelect® chromogenic agar and the identification was confirmed by bioMérieux API 20E. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the bioMérieux ATB UR gallery and the ESBL phenotype was detected by the double disk synergy method according to the CA-SFM 2013 recommendations. The data was analyzed with the R Statistical Software version 2.15.2. RESULTS: a total of 57 urine samples were collected from children aged from one month to two years, 37 boys and 20 girls. Bacteria were detected by culture in 20 samples: Escherichia coli was the most frequently (75 %) isolated species followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%). More than half of the infected samples (55%) contained E-ESBL. The presence of an ESBL was significantly associated with previous antibiotic intake up to 3 months prior current UTI (p=0.01664). The E-ESBL strains showed co-resistance to different antibiotics. CONCLUSION: this study reveals the important dissemination of E-ESBLs among small children in the community and a high rate of co-resistance to the different antibiotic families commonly used.

Enterobacteriaceae are the most common causes of community-acquired and nosocomial infections. They are usually treated with beta-lactam antibiotics, i.e., penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenems (Imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem). In order to evaluate the resistance profile of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to beta-lactam antibiotics, a 3-year retrospective study was carried out in the medical biology laboratory of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. The aim was to compare the behavior of Escherichia coli bacteria to penicillins, carbapenems, and cephalosporins. In order to achieve this objective, we used the results obtained from E. coli strains isolated from urine, cervico-vaginal fluid, puncture fluid, pleural fluid and pus samples. Identification was confirmed using the API 20 E Enterobacteriaceae system of biochemical testing and the VITEK 2 system. The VITEK 2 system was used to perform the antibiogram. Statistical analyses obtained from GraphPad Prim V 5.0 software allowed us to perform tests such as ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlations. Preliminary results show that E. coli bacteria are highly resistant to penicillins and significantly susceptible to cephalosporins of all generations if they are not ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases). Data on carbapenem behavior show less resistance and moderate susceptibility.

Background: Nosocomial infections, particularly sepsis, represent a major public health challenge, especially in hospital settings where hygiene practices may fall short. The use of mobile phones by medical staff can act as a vector for pathogen transmission, thereby increasing the risk of cross-infections. This study aims to evaluate the hygiene practices of medical staff when using mobile phones at Yaoundé General Hospital and assess their impact on infection and sepsis prevention. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, and evaluative study was conducted among medical staff within the hospital. Utilising a stratified random sampling method, this study included 162 participants. Data were collected through direct observations, structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and microbiological analyses of samples taken from mobile phones and hospital surfaces. Statistical analyses comprised both descriptive and comparative tests. Results: The findings revealed that 97.5% of medical staff carry their phones at work, 85.8% use them in clinical settings, and 60.5% do not wash their hands after answering calls. Microbiological analysis detected potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, on mobile phones. Disinfection practices were inconsistent and frequently inadequate, with only 45.7% of participants using an alcohol-based disinfectant. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and the establishment of stringent disinfection protocols for mobile phones within hospital settings to mitigate the transmission of nosocomial infections and sepsis. Implementing specific recommendations, such as training sessions and hygiene audits, is essential to enhance the hygiene practices of medical staff.