Concerns Rise Over Multidrug-Resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae in East Africa and Jordan
A study published in *Emerging Infectious Diseases* reveals concerning levels of multidrug-resistant *E. coli* and *K. pneumoniae* in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan, with significant numbers of isolates bearing resistance genes. The research underscores the urgent need for public health strategies to combat this growing threat to antibiotic efficacy.
A recent study published in the CDC’s journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, has raised significant concerns about multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan. The research was conducted through an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance program led by the U.S. Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division from 2012 to 2022. Employing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antibiotic susceptibility testing, the study analyzed a total of 785 MDR isolates of E. coli, revealing 124 distinct sequence types (STs), with 20 STs (16.1 percent) being shared across all three nations. Predominantly represented was the ST131 strain, recognized globally as a significant contributor to MDR infections. In parallel, K. pneumoniae also displayed considerable genetic diversity, with 123 distinct STs identified, of which 11 STs (8.9 percent) were common among the countries studied. The research identified four high-risk STs, heightening the concern surrounding this pathogen. The AMR profiles indicated that over half of the E. coli isolates (50.8 percent) and a notable 68.8 percent of K. pneumoniae isolates carried extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Furthermore, mobile colistin resistance was detected in two E. coli isolates and five from K. pneumoniae, while carbapenemase genes were identified in 1 percent and 12 percent of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively. The study’s findings have prompted researchers to stress the growing threat presented by high-risk clones of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in clinical settings. The rise in resistance to critical antimicrobials, such as carbapenems and third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, raises serious public health concerns. The dissemination of resistance genes through mobile genetic elements signals the potential for intraspecies and interspecies transmission, underscoring the urgency for vigilant monitoring and management of these pathogens.
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial challenge to global health, particularly with respect to common pathogens such as *Escherichia coli* and *Klebsiella pneumoniae*. These bacteria can cause a wide array of infections, and their resistance to multiple drugs complicates treatment options, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates. Surveillance programs, including those operated by the U.S. Armed Forces, are critical in identifying and monitoring such resistance trends, thereby informing public health strategies and clinical practice.
In conclusion, the alarming emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant *E. coli* and *K. pneumoniae* in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan highlight a significant public health challenge. The presence of high-risk clones and widespread resistance mechanisms calls for urgent action. Continuous monitoring and strategic interventions are essential to mitigate the impacts of these resistant pathogens on global health.
Original Source: www.food-safety.com
