Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone resistance in Urinary Escherichia coli from some Healthcentres in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The most common bacteria associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide Escherichia coli. To treat UTIs, Fluoroquinolones are widely used especially Ciprofloxacin. The honey moon did not last long due to the development of resistance acquired by the bacteria as a result of resistance gene. This study investigated ciprofloxacin resistant urinary E. coli resistance via plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes rather than the chromosomal mutation of patients attending some Healthcentres in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ninety-Two (92) 42% confirmed ciprofloxacin urinary resistant E. coli from patients attending the three (3) study Centres were screened for the presence of PMQR resistant genes (aac(6’)-Ib-cr, oqxA, oqxB, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The screening detected the presence of QnrA 4(44.4%), QnrB and QnrS both with 5(55.6%) occurrence, meaning aac(6’)-Ib-cr, QnrVC ,GyrA, ParC and others were not detected. It is clear that these isolates harbored some PMQR genes both singly and in combination. This is a strong warning to both the prescribers and users of Antibiotic of the consequences of negligence of strict adherence to the usage of antimicrobials, since resistance to antibiotics has led to death of great number of People worldwide.