Abstract:

Background: vagnal colonization with extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacteria may have serious sequels such as subsequent invasive infection and potential transmission of ESBL. Information on the prevalence of high vagnal carriage of ESBL among women in the reproductive age group is scarce, and especially in the rural settings in Tanzania. This study evaluated ESBL high vagnal carriage among women in the rural setting in Ushetu district, Shinyanga.

Materials and Methods: A cross Section study was conducted between May and July 2018 in health centers and dispensaries located in Ushetu district Shinyanga Tanzania .a high vagnal-swab samples collected into Stuart transport media then, cultured into Mac Conkey agar supplemented with 2mcg/ml cefotaxime for screening of ESBL and ESBL confirmation was done by double disk synergy method using standard method. Data analysis was done by using STATA version 13.

Results: A total of 446 participants were investigated with mean age ± standard deviation of 35 (IQR=26-45) years. The overall culture positive for gram negative bacteria was 22.6% (101/446), with predominance of Escherichia coli 69.3% (70/101). Approximately 16.83 %( 17/101) were found to be ESBL producing bacteria, resulting into an overall prevalence of ESBL carriage among women to be 3.8 %( 17/446). ESBL production in E.coli, K. pneumoniae, and K.oxytoca were 14.28%, 27.27% and 18.75%, respectively.

Conclusion and recommendations: the prevalence of ESBL carriage among women in Ushetu district is low (3.8%), with the proportion of ESBL among gram negative bacteria being 16.83 %. This ESBL carriage is low compared to previous ESBL carriage reported in urban areas. Culture and drug susceptibility testing services should be established in these health care facilities for surveillance and management purpose.