Prevalence of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical samples in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review of 9,636 Enterobacteriaceae isolates in Africa found that the overall prevalence of colistin resistance was 26.74%. This is a significant global threat, especially in developing countries. The study found significant variability in resistance rates across countries, with K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus spp., and Enterobacter spp. having the highest prevalence. The study also found significant variation in resistance rates across clinical specimens, with stool specimens having the highest at 42.0% and blood specimens having a lower rate of 3.58%. This highlights the urgent need for effective antimicrobial stewardship, improved surveillance, and the development of new antibiotics.