High prevalence of carbapenem-resistant (CRE) in human samples from Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The rise in Carbapenem-resistant (CRE) is perturbing. To curb the menace of CRE, a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and epidemiology is crucial. As varying reports abound, the true prevalence of CRE in Nigeria remains unknown. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following standard guidelines to assess the situation of CRE in Nigeria.

Methods: We searched electronic databases including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles providing information on CRE in Nigeria. The data gathered were analyzed using OpenMeta Analyst and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The random-effect model was employed to calculate pooled resistance to carbapenem antibiotics.

Results: From 321 retrieved records, 57 were finally included. The studies were predominantly from the South-West region (n = 19). and were the most frequently tested among the included studies. The pooled prevalence estimate for imipenem resistance among CRE was 11.2 % (95 % CI: 7.9-15.7). Meropenem resistance had an estimate of 13.5 % (95 % CI: 9.1-19.6), whereas ertapenem and doripenem were estimated at 17.0 % (95 % CI: 9.9-27.7) and 37.9 % (95 % CI: 15.0-67.8), respectively. High heterogeneity ( >85 %,  < 0.001) was observed for the estimates. The highest resistance rate to imipenem (28.4 %), meropenem (37.2 %) and ertapenem (46.5 %) were observed for the South-South region. Based on specific CRE genera, sp. was the most resistant (37.0 %) while sp. was the least (9.4 %). Our analyses also revealed a progressive increase in resistance to carbapenem antibiotics over the years.

Conclusion: This study highlights carbapenem resistance as a concern in Africa's most populous nation, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address and mitigate the threat of CRE.