Antibiotic resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nostrils of healthy undergraduates of Madonna University Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue with particular concern in developing countries, where there are poor antibiotic regulatory policies. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has become a persistent nosocomial and community-acquired pathogen that has become a global menace. This study determined the prevalence and resistance patterns of nasal S. aureus isolated from healthy students of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and fifty nasal specimens of healthy students were cultured and screened for S. aureus using standard microbiological protocols and their antibiotic profile susceptibility was investigated using the disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute on Mueller Hinton agar. Results: A total of 78 (52%) S. aureus isolates were obtained from 150 specimens screened. The pattern of S. aureus resistance to the antibiotics varied in prevalence by agent in the descending order as follows; cefuroxime = ceftazidime > cloxacillin > erythromycin > augmentin > ofloxacin > ceftriaxone > gentamicin. The isolates showed an overall 100% resistance to ceftazidime and cefuroxime. Gentamicin, ceftriaxone, and ofloxacin recorded a susceptibility rate of 98.7%, 89.7%, and 79.5% respectively. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of S aureus colonization in students in the study area. Also, these isolates could still be treated with gentamicin, ceftriaxone, and fluoroquinolones. However, there is increasing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. There is a need for stringent strategies in the control of antibiotic misuse and resistance.