Plasmid Profile and Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria

Background: The study aimed at evaluating the plasmid profile and characterization of E. coli isolated from chronic diabetic foot ulcers among patients in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Methods: A total of ۱۵۰ wound swab samples were collected and analyzed. Standard microbiological methods processed samples. Antibiogram was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Tests were conducted to determine biofilm potential, ESBL and AmpC production. Plasmid profiling was done by the alkaline lysis method and Gel electrophoresis. Results: Based on the results, out of the ۱۵۰ swab samples, ۶۱(۴۰.۶%) E. coli isolates were recovered. ۵۷.۸%, ۳۲.۸%, and ۸.۲% of the E. coli isolates were positive for biofilm formation, ESBL, and AmpC production, respectively. Further, the study revealed a pattern of multiple-drug resistance of E. coli to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (۹۶.۷%), septrin (۹۵.۱%), and ampicillin (۹۳.۴%). Conclusion: Analysis of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index showed that the organism had MAR index values above the low-risk region (≤۰.۲) for all the tested antibiotics. Post-curring antibiogram tests revealed that nine isolates carried plasmids, suggesting that the mode of resistance may be plasmid-mediated. Findings could act as a therapeutic guide for antibiotic prescriptions in this environment.

Keywords:

Diabetic ulcers , E. coli , antibiogram , plasmid profile , Isolates , زخم دیابتی , اشرشیاکلی , آنتی بیوگرام , ویژگی پلاسمید