Plasmid Profile and Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria

The study aimed at evaluating the plasmid profile and characterization of E. coli isolated from chronic diabetic foot ulcers among patients in Imo State, South East Nigeria.

A total of 150 wound swab samples were collected and analyzed. Standard microbiological methods processed samples. Antibiogram was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Tests were conducted to determine biofilm potential, ESBL and AmpC production. Plasmid profiling was done by the alkaline lysis method and Gel electrophoresis.

Based on the results, out of the 150 swab samples, 61(40.6%) E. coli isolates were recovered. 57.8%, 32.8%, and 8.2% of the E. coli isolates were positive for biofilm formation, ESBL, and AmpC production, respectively. Further, the study revealed a pattern of multiple-drug resistance of E. coli to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (96.7%), septrin (95.1%), and ampicillin (93.4%).

Analysis of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index showed that the organism had MAR index values above the low-risk region (≤0.2) for all the tested antibiotics. Post-curring antibiogram tests revealed that nine isolates carried plasmids, suggesting that the mode of resistance may be plasmid-mediated. Findings could act as a therapeutic guide for antibiotic prescriptions in this environment.