Assessment Of Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections Among Pediatric Patients Attending State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State

Abstract

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of multidrug-resistant infections in children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric clinical samples at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 among 256 children. Clinical samples were collected and processed using standard microbiological methods for isolation and identification of K. pneumoniae. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test in SPSS version 26, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Of the 256 samples analyzed, K. pneumoniae prevalence was 44.1%, with 45.3% in males and 43.8% in females; no significant difference was observed (χ² = 0.048, df = 1, p = 0.827). Prevalence was highest in the 9–11 age group (47.4%) and decreased with age; no significant age association was found (χ² = 1.411, df = 3, p = 0.703). Respiratory disorders were reported by 74.6% of participants, with comorbidities like lung disease (9.0%) and malnutrition (9.0%) being less common. Children with urinary disorders had the highest rates of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae infections (50.0%). Immunosuppressed children had a lower positivity rate (11.7%), and those who had recent surgery showed a stark contrast in positivity (0.0%). Positive rates were also lower among children who were bedridden or hospitalized for longer periods. These findings support local clinical decision-making and underline the need for preventive strategies for at-risk children.