Detection of Colistin Resistant Enterobacteria Isolates from Human Fecal Samples in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Background and Objective: Colistin resistance is a major threat to the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.The scarcity of alternative antibiotics and the rapid evolution of resistant bacteria make this a critical problem that needs to be addressed urgently.This study aimed at phenotypic detection of colistin resistance by enterobacteria in humans.Materials and Methods: As 135 stool samples were collected from patients presenting with diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid.Bacterial isolation was first done to identify the WHO-priority pathogens involved greatly in bacterial drug resistance.The bacterial isolates were screened against several dilutions of colistin sulfate antibiotics and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for each isolate.Results: Klebsiella species (62%) and Morganella morgani (16%) were the most prevalent enterobacteria isolated, with Escherichia coli (2%) being one of the least prevalent organisms isolated.As 86% of all isolates were resistant to colistin, while 14% were sensitive.There was no significant difference in the susceptibility pattern of the isolates based on age, gender, or sample collection location.Conclusion: The prevalence of colistin resistance amongst isolates from the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrheal infections is high.This study is an early warning sign highlighting the emergence of colistin resistance in Ghana.