This study examines the prevalence and traits of Enterobacteriaceae resistance genes expressing ESBL among clinical specimens isolated from a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State. A total of 445 clinical samples were taken from the hospital's different wards. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and API20E, gram-negative isolates were found. The Mueller Hinton agar diffusion method was used for assessing antibiotic susceptibility, and PCR techniques were used for genotypic analysis to find resistance genes. Samples from Patients yielded 102 multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB), but no statistically significant difference was identified (P > 0.05) in the distribution of isolates, which comprised Escherichia coli (24, 23.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20, 19.6%), and Proteus mirabilis (17, 16.6%). High resistance rates were shown by the susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates, with 46 (45.0%) demonstrating resistance to carbapenems, 71 (69.6%) to quinolones, and 99 (97.0%) to cephalosporins. Based on genotypic analysis, the MDRGNB isolates had a high frequency of CTX-M 39(78.0%) followed by TEM 22 (44) and SHV 20 (40.0%). These results highlight the pressing need for all-encompassing approaches to address antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. They also highlight the significance of infection control practices, surveillance, and responsible antibiotic use in reducing the growing threat of MDRGNB infections in Bayelsa State.

Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae, Multidrug-resistant-bacteria, Antibiotic-resistance, ESBL-encoding, Genotypic, Tertiary hospital