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

• Chinaza Maria Ozuluoha

  B. Pharm,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

• Aliyou Moustapha Chandini

  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.

  Author

• Christabel A. Ovesuor Ovesuor

  FWACP,Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Asaba; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8882-7043

• Oladipo Vincent Akinmade

  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.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5053-2716

• Samuel Sam Danladi

  MPH,Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5562-537X

• Abba Sadiq Usman

  MScPH,Nutrition and Health Department, Action Against Hunger, Maiduguri Field Office, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

• Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu

  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 ResearchInstitute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

• Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu

  PhD,Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5175-1179

• Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo

  MPH,Family Health International, Ukraine; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom

  Author

• Moses Nkechukwu Ikegbunam

  PhD,Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

  Author

• Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu

  PhD,World Health Organization, United Nations House, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1003-4664

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.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Chinaza Maria Ozuluoha, Aliyou Moustapha Chandini, Christabel A. Ovesuor Ovesuor, Oladipo Vincent Akinmade, Samuel Sam Danladi, Abba Sadiq Usman, Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu, Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu, Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo, Moses Nkechukwu Ikegbunam, Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu (Author)

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