Version 1: Evaluation of Susceptibility Status of Some Clinical Bacterial Isolates to Generations of Cephalosporins Sold in Kano

Introduction: The circulation of substandard antibiotics is believed to aggravate the evil effect of Antibiotic resistance (AR) globally.  AR knows no boundaries and pose a serious threat to existing antibiotics Gap statement: Sabon Gari market is chosen due to reports of substandard antibiotics. It's a major distribution centre for pharmaceuticals, yet research on its impact and extent of substandard drugs is lacking. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility status of some clinical Bacterial isolates (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella sp.) to generations of Cephalosporins purchased from drug distributors in Sabon Gari Market Kano. Methodology: Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the test isolates was determined by disc diffusion method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was used to confirm the functional group of the active ingredients of all the antibiotics tested. Molecular identification of resistant gene (CTX-M1) were carried out using PCR. Results: Market survey reveals that Cephalexin 61% (first generation), Cefuroxime 72% (Second generation) and Cefexime 68%, Cefpodoxime 79%, Ceftriazone 63%, Ceftazidime 70% and Cefotaxime 45% (third generation) and Cefepime 84% (fourth generation) were the most commonly sold Cephalosporins, with different brands and company names.  In all the antibiotics tested, similar activity was observed in the branded antibiotics as compared with the standard antibiotics, with no significant difference observed. Exactly 20% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were resistant while 80% of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella sp. were susceptible. CTX-M1 resistant gene was identified E. coli and K. pneumoniae which further confirms their resistance to Cefotaxime and ceftriaxone antibiotics. Conclusion: Branded cephalosporins sold in Kano were effective as standard antibiotics with good bioavailability and compliance with the standards formulation of medicine, thus fit for human intake.