Biology subjects

Founou, L. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Founou, L. L..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

High occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone and ESBL resistance genes among multidrug resistant Escherichia coli from clinical samples in two healthcare facilities in Yaounde, Cameroon.

IntroductionIn sub-Saharan Africa, and more specifically in Cameroon, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major public health threat. This is underlined by the increasing appearance of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Extended-spectrum {beta}-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec), a critical priority bacterium, is increasingly implicated in life-threatening infections in hospital and community settings in Cameroon. Data on the genetic composition of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli are limited in Cameroon. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity, resistance mechanisms in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli organisms isolated from clinical samples in two hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2025 in two healthcare facilities in Yaounde, Cameroon. All clinical samples from in- and out-patients were analysed. After culturing, identification was performed using API20E as per the manufacturers instructions and ESBL production was screened in CHROMagarTM ESBL. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR)genes, as well as mutations in quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) (gyrA/parC) Horizontal. plasmid transfer was also investigated. Finally, phylogroup analysis was assessed. ResultThe prevalence of MDR E. coli was 50.7% (n=33/65), all of which (100%) were ESBL producers and 91% were ciprofloxacin-resistant. Highest resistance rates were observed for cefotaxime (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), and ciprofloxacin (91%). The most frequent ESBL genes were blaTEM (36.3%; n=12/33). Among PMQR genes, qnrB was detected in 16.6% (n=5/30) of isolates. Only the ESBL genes were carried by plasmids; the most prevalent plasmid-borne gene was blaTEM (40%), followed by blaCTX-M (26.7%). Mutations within the topoisomerase QRDR (parC gene) were identified in 36.6% (n=11/30) of ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Phylogroup analysis revealed a predominance of phylogroup A, followed by group B. ConclusionThis study reveals a high prevalence of multidrug-resistance, ESBL (blaTEM dominant) and fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli in Yaounde, with plasmid dissemination of ESBL genes and chromosomal stabilization of PMQR determinants. The predominance of commensal phylogroups in clinical samples underlines the role of the community reservoir. It is urgent to reinforce " real-time One Health" genomic surveillance in Cameroon.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Genomic analysis of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacter kobei ST691 strain harboring mcr-10.1 isolated in Yaounde, Cameroon.

ObjectiveEnterobacter species. are opportunistic pathogens commonly responsible for serious, difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections. Extended-spectrum {beta}-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and colistin-resistant Enterobacterales are increasingly implicated in human and animal infections worldwide. Here we report a first detection of colistin-resistant ESBL-producing E. kobei strain belonging to ST691 and harbouring mcr-10.1. MethodsThis strain was isolated from the faecal sample of a two-year old child aged, who was diagnosed with gastroenteritis in Yaounde, Cameroon. This ESBL-E. kobei ST691 genome was sequenced using Illumina Miseq (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance genes were predicted using AMRFinderPlus, ARIBA and the VFDB and PlasmidFinder databases respectively. ResultsThis strain exhibited phenotypic resistance to numerous antibiotics belonging to penicillin, third generation of cephalosporin and carbapenem families. However, it was susceptible to aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone. Genome analysis reveals a length of 4 626 300 bp, and N50 of 143 731, GC content of 54.9%. Genes conferring resistance to {beta}-lactams (blaACT-9), polymyxin (mcr-10.1) and phenicol/quinolone (oqxA,B) were detected. Mobile genetic elements including plasmid replicon type [IncFIB(pECLA) and IncFII(pECLA)] and the IS1, IS110, ISEc34, IS1222SC, IS66, IS630, IS3, IS26 insertion sequences were also detected. ConclusionWe report the first colistin-resistant ESBL-producing E. kobei isolated from a two-year old child. It is a high priority potential pathogen showing resistance to last-resort antimicrobials to which there is little access in Cameroon. This underscores the necessity to strengthen genomic surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control as well as to heighten awareness of the threat posed by resistant bacteria.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

Enable, Empower, Succeed: Harnessing Open Science for Antimicrobial Resistance Containment

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, particularly in Western sub-Saharan Africa where 27.3 deaths per 100,000 lives are affected, and surveillance and control measures are often limited. Genomics research plays a crucial role in understanding the emergence, spread and containment measures of AMR. However, its implementation in such settings is particularly challenging due to limited human capacity. This manuscript outlines a three-day bioinformatics workshop in Cameroon, highlighting efforts to build human capacity for genomics research to support AMR surveillance using readily accessible and user-friendly web-based tools. The workshop introduced participants to basic next-generation sequencing concepts, data file formats used in bacterial genomics, data sharing procedures and considerations, as well as the use of web-based bioinformatics software to analyse genomic data, including in silico prediction of AMR, phylogenetics analyses, and a quick introduction to Linux(C) command line. We provide a detailed description of the relevant training approaches used, including workshop structure, the selection and planning, and utilization of freely available web-based tools, and the evaluation methods employed. Our approach aimed to overcome limitations such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to computational resources, and scarcity of expertise. By leveraging the power of freely available web-based tools, we demonstrated how participants can acquire fundamental bioinformatics skills, enhance their understanding of biological data analysis, and contribute to the field, even in an underprivileged environment. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of this training approach in empowering local researchers and bridging the bioinformatics gap in genomics surveillance of AMR in resource-constrained settings. Building human capacity for genomics research globally, and especially in resource-constrained settings, is imperative for ensuring global health and sustainable containment of AMR. Data summaryThe authors confirm that all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files. Impact StatementAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, especially in Western sub-Saharan Africa, where 27.3 deaths per 100,000 lives occur. Genomics research play an instrumental role for understanding AMRs emergence, spread, and containment measures. However, its implementation in these settings is challenging due to limited human capacity. A three-day bioinformatics workshop in Cameroon aimed to build human capacity for genomics research using web-based tools. Participants were introduced to next-generation sequencing concepts, data file formats, data sharing procedures, and web-based bioinformatics software for analysing genomic data. The workshop aimed to overcome limitations like inadequate infrastructure, computational resources, and expertise scarcity. The findings show the effectiveness of this training approach in empowering local researchers and bridging the bioinformatics gap in genomics surveillance of AMR in resource-constrained settings.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2024

Maternal and Neonatal Colonization with Multidrug Resistant and Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Cameroonian Labour Ward

BackgroundEscherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae rank among the primary bacterial culprits in neonatal infections and fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic features of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a labour ward in Yaounde, Cameroon. MethodsA prospective and cross-sectional study spanning five months, from February 21 to June 30, 2022. Recto-vaginal swabs were obtained from expectant mothers, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from their babies. The samples were cultured on eosin methylene blue agar and isolates identified using the Enterosystem 18R kit. Extended-spectrum {beta}-lactamase (ESBL) production was assessed using CHROMAgar ESBL and the double disc synergy test. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect {beta}-lactamase genes blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaTEM. ERIC-PCR was used to assess the clonal relatedness of isolates. ResultsE. coli was predominantly found in pregnant women (81%) and neonates (55%) while K. pneumoniae predominated in healthcare workers. Almost all pregnant women (90%) were colonized by one or more multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates with 52% being concomitantly ESBL producers. Altogether, 22 neonates were positive for E. coli and/or K. pneumoniae and 19 (91%) were colonized by a MDR isolate. The blaCTX-M (75%) was the leading {beta}-lactamase gene detected. ConclusionOur study suggests that MDR- and ESBL-E. coli and K. pneumoniae are circulating at high prevalence in labour Yaounde. It emphasizes the necessity for strict infection prevention and control measures in conjunction with effective antimicrobial stewardship in the country.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Comparative Genome Analysis Reveals Human Pathogenic Potential of ESBL-Escherichia coli Isolated from Swine Microbiomes

BackgroundExtended-spectrum {beta}-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec) harbouring virulence genes in the microbiome of food animals could likely threaten human health but is poorly understood in Cameroon and South Africa. Here, we assessed the resistome, virulome and mobilome of ESBL-Ec isolated from swine microbiomes in these countries, using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Materials/methodsEleven clonally-related phenotypic ESBL-Ec isolates were subjected to WGS. The isolates were de novo assembled using the CLC Genomics Workbench and SPAdes while RAST and PROKKA were used for annotation of the assembled contigs. Prediction of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors and plasmids was performed using ResFinder, VirulenceFinder and PlasmidFinder, respectively. ResultsDiverse STs were detected with sequence types ST2144 and ST88 predominating and blaCTX-M-15 (55%) as principal ESBL genes. Although the isolates belonged mainly to commensal phylogroups A/B1 (45/28.3%) and C (18.18%), all harboured at least three extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) VFs with one isolate harbouring up to 18 ExPEC VFs. ConclusionThe resistance and pathogenic potential of ESBL-Ec colonizing the gut microbiota of swine in both countries demonstrate the urgent need to implement effective strategies to contain the dissemination of virulent ESBL-Ec through the food chain in Cameroon and South Africa.

genomics↗