Abstract
Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are significant contributors to infection-related mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Colonization with ESCrE and/or CRE can precede infection and serve as a reservoir for transmission within healthcare facilities and the community.We conducted a 12-month period-prevalence study, screening patients for ESCrE and CRE upon admission to a referral tertiary hospital Emergency Department in Botswana. Rectal swabs were collected within 24 hours of hospital arrival. Colonization was identified using selective culture media and confirmed using automated susceptibility testing. Associations between ESCrE/CRE colonization, and clinical and demographic variables were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Among 802 patients, 24.1% (n = 193) were colonized with ESCrE, and 1.5% (n = 12) with CRE. ESCrE colonization was associated with recent hospitalization (within the last six months) (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11-2.79), borehole water use (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.12-13.87), indwelling medical devices (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.08-4.48), and age < 1 year (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.32-3.30). CRE colonization was associated with antiretroviral drug use (cOR 6.60, 95% CI 1.72-25.36). Infants (<1 year) had over three times the odds of ESCr/CR-Klebsiella spp. colonization compared to adults (cOR 3.60, 95% CI 1.82-7.13). Infant age, recent healthcare exposure, indwelling medical devices, and borehole water use were key risk factors for ESCrE colonization, highlighting the need for targeted infection prevention strategies in Botswana. The identified potential association between CRE colonization and antiretroviral drug use warrants further investigation to elucidate any possible links and drivers between HIV care and antimicrobial resistance.