Abstract

Beta-lactams are the most widely used antibiotics. Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics is an increasing problem worldwide and beta-lactamase production is the most common mechanism of resistance to these drugs. Species of Salmonella and Shigella isolated from hospital patients in Anyigba, Kogi State, were analyzed for the presence of beta–lactamases using Nitrocefin, Iodometric, Acidimetric and Double Disc Synergy methods. Results showed that 9 (81.82%) of Shigella species and 22 (61.11%) of Salmonella species were beta-lactamase producers with 3 (27.27%) of Shigella species and 20 (55.56%) of Salmonella species producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Beta-lactamase production is an acknowledged threat to modern medicine especially antibiotic usage.

Key words: Salmonella, Shigella, beta-lactams, beta-lactamase, extended spectrum beta- lactamases