Speakers - 2026

Title: Distribution and characterization of carbapenemase producing enterobacteriaceae at the pasteur center of cameroon

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is progressing worryingly, particularly in pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae frequently isolated from humans. Several resistance mechanisms have been described within these bacteria, including, more recently in Cameroon, the production of carbapenemases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of carbapenemases in strains of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical samples at the Pasteur Center in Cameroon (Yaoundé site).
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January 22 to May 31, 2024 at the bacteriology laboratory of the Pasteur Center in Cameroon. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the automated MALDI-TOF and VITEK 2 systems. The production of carbapenemases was investigated by the Nordmann-Poirel method, then typed using the Carbapenem-Resistant K.N.I.V.O. kit. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 22 software.
Results: A total of 213 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were included. The majority came from pus samples (51.64%), followed by urine (26.29%). Escherichia coli was the most represented species (31.45%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%) and Enterobacter cloacae (14.6%). Of the isolates, 30 strains were resistant to carbapenems. NDM and OXA-48 carbapenemases were detected in 86.96% and 8.70% of cases, respectively, with one strain (4.35%) producing both enzymes simultaneously.
Conclusion: The increasing proportion of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae is a warning signal. Continuous monitoring of this resistance appears to be essential in order to guide therapeutic decisions and antibiotic management policies.