Prevalence of Extended- Spectrum Beta – Lactamase and Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Wastewater Sources (in Hostel, Hospitaland Slaughterhouse) in Owerri

Wastewater systems are recognized as key environments where antibiotic resistance genes can spread rapidly, fueled by the presence of diverse microbial communities and a wide range of antimicrobial substances. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Carbapenem and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in wastewater samples collected from various sources in Owerri, including hostels, hospitals, and slaughterhouses.The research focused on understanding the distribution of these antibiotic-resistant pathogens and their susceptibility to various antibiotics. A total of 100 wastewater samples were collected weekly and analyzed at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.Bacterial isolation was performed using the streak plate method, and the isolates were obtained using MacConkey Agar. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton Agar.The results revealed a significant prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with (57.5%) of the samples showing positive bacterial growth. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most commonly identified species, accounting for (47.74%) and (52.26%) of the isolates, respectively.Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed widespread resistance among the isolates, with E. coli demonstrating greater resistance than K. pneumoniae. These findings highlight the environmental risks associated with the discharge of antibiotic-resistant pathogens into wastewater systems.The study emphasizes the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship and effective wastewater management strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance. Further research is recommended to develop effective treatment options for infections caused by these resistant pathogens.The findings of this study will contribute significantly to our understanding of the prevalence and mechanisms of ESBL and Carbapenemase genes in environmental samples, ultimately informing the development of evidence-based control strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.