Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a serious public health threat worldwide. However, the AR and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) data from West Africa, especially from Sierra Leone, are limited. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? The study revealed ARGs' common dissemination, and multiplex antibiotic resistance genes in one sample. Genes bla (NDM) and bla (OXA) (-48-like) were first discovered in Sierra Leone. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Basic information is provided for AR research and surveillance and highlights that effective AR surveillance among diarrhea patients is necessary for Sierra Leone and West Africa.