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Global Multidisciplinary Journal

Open Access Peer Review International
Open Access

Low Prevalence of Carbapenemase Gene NDM-1 in Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli: A Molecular Surveillance Study

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/gmj/Volume05Issue01-03
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Chinaza Maria Ozuluoha 1 , Moses Nkechukwu Ikegbunam 1 , Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo 1 , Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu 1 ORCID iD , Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu 1 , Abba Sadiq Usman, 1 , Samuel Sam Danladi 1 ORCID iD , Oladipo Vincent Akinmade 1 ORCID iD , Christabel A. Ovesuor 1 ORCID iD , Aliyou Moustapha Chandini 1 , Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu 1 ORCID iD ,
4 B. Pharm, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
4 MPH, Family Health International, Ukraine; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MPH, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Health Science, Edo State University, Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MScPH, Nutrition and Health Department, Action Against Hunger, Maiduguri Field Office, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 MPH, Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MPH, Digital Health and Rights Project (Center for Interdisciplinary Methodologies, CIM), University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 FWACP, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Asaba; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Social Work and Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD, World Health Organization, United Nations House, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction: The New Delhi Metallo‑β‑lactamase‑1 (NDM‑1) gene has emerged as a major global health concern because of its ability to confer resistance to β‑lactam antibiotics, particularly carbapenems. These antibiotics are often considered last‑line agents, and resistance severely limits treatment options. NDM‑1 is frequently associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by multidrug‑resistant Gram‑negative bacteria, and its spread poses a serious challenge to patient care. Continuous surveillance is therefore essential to track its prevalence and guide effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Aim: This study set out to determine the prevalence of the NDM‑1 gene in clinical isolates obtained from patients with UTIs in Onitsha Metropolis.

Methods: Thirty clinical isolates from patients diagnosed with UTIs were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from each isolate, and the presence of the NDM‑1 gene was assessed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Amplified products were separated on agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized with ethidium bromide staining to confirm gene detection.

Results: Of the thirty isolates examined, only one tested positive for the NDM‑1 gene. This finding corresponds to a prevalence rate of 3.33 percent among the studied samples. Although the prevalence was low, the detection of NDM‑1 in even a single isolate is significant, given the potential for plasmid‑mediated dissemination across bacterial populations.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a low prevalence of NDM‑1 among UTI isolates in Onitsha. However, the presence of the gene underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, strict infection control measures, and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent its wider spread. Larger studies are recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution and clinical impact of NDM‑1 in Nigeria and similar settings.

Keywords

urinary tract infections, antimicrobial resistance, PCR, Onitsha

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How to Cite

Ozuluoha, C. M. ., Ikegbunam, M. N. ., Ekwuluo, C. E. ., Obohwemu, K. O. ., Iyevhobu, K. O. ., Usman, A. S. ., Danladi, S. S. ., Akinmade, O. V. ., Ovesuor, C. A. ., Chandini, A. M. ., & Chukwu, J. A. . (2026). Low Prevalence of Carbapenemase Gene NDM-1 in Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli: A Molecular Surveillance Study. Global Multidisciplinary Journal, 5(01), 14-28. https://doi.org/10.55640/gmj/Volume05Issue01-03

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