Class 1 Integron (Inti1) Gene In Gram Negative Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Clinical Samples In Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Integrons are common features of bacterial genomes that allow efficient capture and expression of new genes which are embedded in gene cassettes. Class 1 integron are mostly identified among clinical Gram-negative bacteria as the major factor responsible for drug resistance. This study was aimed at detecting the presence of the integron-integrase 1 gene (inti1) in Gram negative bacteria. Materials and Methods: The isolates were determined using Standard Bacteriological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using Modified Kirby Bauer disc-diffusion method and the genomic DNA was extracted by boiling method. The presence of Inti1 gene was determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: A total of 121 clinical samples were collected, of which 99 (81.8%) were urine samples, 5 (4.13%) were Endocervical swabs, 4 (3.31%) were sputum samples, 4 (3.31%) were High vaginal swabs, 6 (4.95%) were wound samples and 3 (2.48%) were ear swabs, 45 (37.2%) samples were collected from males and 76 (62.8%) were collected from females. The findings showed that out of 121 samples analysed, a total of 95 isolates were obtained from the samples with E.coli having a high prevalence of 32 (33.7%), followed by Klebsiella oxytoca 30 (31.6%), Klebsiella pneumonia 21 (22.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (6.31%), Enterobacter aerogenes 3 (3.2%) and Citrobacter fruendii 3 (3.2%). Antibiotics susceptibility pattern showed the resistance percentage of each of the antibiotics used; Gentamicin (50.5%) Pefloxacine (68.4), Narivid (67.4%), Streptomycin (81.1%), Septrin (66.3%) Chloramphenicol (70.5%), Spectinomycin (53.7%), Ciprofloxacin (56.8%), Amoxacillin (53.7%) and Augmentin (88.4%). Out of the 30 isolates selected for molecular analysis, the Inti 1 gene was detected in 26 isolates. Conclusion: This study showed that there is high prevalence of class 1 integron in multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. To prevent the development of multi-drug resistance bacteria, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be avoided.