Trends of Antibacterial Interactions in Multidrug – Resistant Isolates: Exploring Resistance Phenotypes in the Ndé Division, West-Cameroon

Background: Reliable pieces of information concerning bacterial-antibiotic interactions are key assets for therapeutic management of bacterial diseases.

Objective: The present study aimed at detecting phenotypic characteristics of bacterial resistance in multidrug-resistant isolates recovered from clinical specimens at the “Université des Montagnes” Teaching Hospital.

Methods: The total of 226 isolates (142 Gram-negative rods and 84 Gram-positive cocci) were subjected to phenotypic screening of resistance mechanisms. All procedural steps were conducted according to standard protocols on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics.

Results: Primary pieces of information revealed high rates of resistant isolates, especially with beta-lactams and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole while Nitrofurantoin and Imipenem were most effective. Amongst Gram-negative rods, 56% expressed one enzymatic resistance mechanism and 12% expressed two against beta-lactams. Also, with extended spectrum beta-lactamases, high level cephalosporinases and inducible cephalosporinases most commonly observed. About 62% and 14% of Gram-positive cocci expressed constitutive and Clindamycin-inducible resistance, respectively. Decreased susceptibility to Ceftriaxone and Penicillin G was also recorded in suspect mutant isolates selected by these antibiotics. Potential synergetic and other antagonistic interactions were evenly detected.

Conclusion: Overall, the data could represent reliable clue for advocacy about personalized combination therapy, then capacity building for routine affordable susceptibility tests in caretaking.