Plasmid and Total Protein Analyses of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Bacteria from Periplaneta americana (Coackroaches)

Abstract

Background: The importance of plasmid-encoded Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) organisms in the dissemination of multi-drug resistance  and complicated infections are contributory factors to treatment failure. Despite these, there is a paucity of information regarding plasmid-borne  associated infection from primary sources including cockroaches while studies correlating total protein and plasmid-encoded ESBL are also limited  especially in cockroaches. The objective of this study was therefore aimed at determining the presence of plasmid in the ESBL organisms from  cockroaches as well as their total protein profiles.

Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolation, characterization and molecular identification were carried out in our previous work following standard  recommended techniques. These molecularly identified organisms which were delineated into twenty-two (22) were further subjected to plasmid and  total protein analyses using alkaline lysis and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) respectively.

Results: Results obtained identifies 18(81.8%) of the ESBL isolates to be harbouring plasmids of different molecular weights (2-21.5kbp). The total protein  profile of the plasmid-encoded ESBL and the non-plasmid encoded ESBL reveals differential protein expression patterns except for two non- plasmid encoded ESBL isolates that have similar patterns as that of plasmid-encoded ESBL organisms (isolates 2 and 3).

Conclusion: There is a need to monitor the primary sources of infection in the epidemiological distribution of resistance. Improving environmental  sanitation through proper disinfection of carrier insects may be a means to curtailing such spread.