Abstract
BACKGROUND: Beta-lactamase genes are one of the most important groups of antimicrobial resistance genes in human and animal health. Therefore, continuous surveillance of this group of resistance genes is needed for a better understanding of the local epidemiology within a country and global dissemination. AIM: This review was carried out to identify different beta-lactamase resistance genes reported in published literature from Nigeria. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out on eligible Nigerian articles retrieved from electronic literature searches of PubMed(®), African Journals Online, and Google Scholar published between January 1990 and December 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method was adopted to facilitate clarity and transparency in reporting review findings. RESULTS: Fifty-seven articles were included. All beta-lactamases reported were detected from Gram-negative bacteria, particularly from Enterobacteriaceae. Thirty-six different beta-lactamase genes were reported in Nigeria. These genes belong to the narrow-spectrum, AmpC, extended-spectrum and carbapenemase beta-lactamase resistance genes. The pooled proportion estimate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Nigeria was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26% - 36%, p < 0.0001), while the estimate of the bla (CTX-M-15) gene in Nigeria was 46% (95% CI: 36% - 57%, p < 0.0001). The proportion estimate of AmpC genes was 32% (95% CI: 11% - 52%, p < 0.001), while the estimate for carbapenemases was 8% (95% CI: 5% - 12%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides information on beta-lactamase distribution in Nigeria. This is necessary for a better understanding of molecular epidemiology of clinically important beta-lactamases, especially the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases in Nigeria.