N.C.J. Anyanwu - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
W.C. John - Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
C.A. Nsofor - Madonna University, Okija, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.

This study was carried out to investigate the distribution and multi-drug resistance (MDR) pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from patients in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State. 255 clinical specimens were collected, including urine, stool, wound swabs, high vaginal swabs, urethral swabs, endocervical swabs, sputum and aspirates. Specimens were cultured on MacConkey agar (MA, Oxoid) and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB, Oxoid). 100 E. coli isolates were obtained. A significantly high rate of infection was found in females (p<0.05). Susceptibility testing was done on 50 selected isolates using Disc diffusion method with Mueller-Hinton agar. Antibiotics used were Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid- AMC (30μg), Cefpirome- CPO (30μg), Cefpodoxime- CPD (10μg), Cefotaxime- CTX (30μg), Cefoxitin- FOX (30μg), Ciprofloxacin- CIP (5μg), Tetracyclin- TE (30μg), Nalidixic acid- NA (30μg), Chloramphenicol- C (30μg), Ceftriaxone- CRO (30μg) and Sulphanethoxazole/Trimethoprim- SXT (25μg). Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin had the highest percentage sensitivity (92.0%), while Nalidixic acid and Tetracyclin were the least sensitive (8.0%). Four isolates (8.0%) were resistant to all antibiotics used. This study established that Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin are the most effective drugs for the treatment of E. coli infections in Owerri. However, it is advised that these drugs be taken only on prescription to prevent development of drug resistance.

Escherichia coli , MDR , EMB , Ciprofloxacin , Tetracyclin , Owerri ,