Identification and Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Isolates from In-Patients at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Aim: The study was conducted to identify and characterize antibiotic resistant bacteria isolates from in-patients at Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 patients with community-acquired infections, admitted into the various wards of the hospital over a period of 5 months. Blood, wound swab and urine samples were collected, transported and analyzed using standard procedures. Gram staining and biochemical characterization were conducted to identify bacteria isolates. Information on patients’ bio-data and results of microbiological analysis were entered into a proforma, and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 17 statistical package.

Results: Forty nine (20.0%) of the 245 samples collected showed growth and were confirmed; the bacteria species isolated include Staphylococcus aureus (9.8%), Escherichia coli (6.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.1%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (1.6%). There was no association (p > 0.05) between presence of positive samples and patients’ age, sex or place of admission (ward). The overall sensitivity ranged from 69.4% for Streptococcus pyogenes to 79.2% for Staphylococcus aureus. Whereas Streptococcus pyogenes showed absolute sensitivity (100%) to Ampicillin and Tetracycline as compared to the other antibiotics used, it was completely resistant (0%) to gentamycin.

Conclusion: This study showed substantial occurrence of antibiotic resistant pathogens among patients with community-acquired infections in Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Formulation and/or implementation of the necessary policy on safe antibiotic use; and organization of periodic educational enlightenment programmes for health workers and members of the public on prevention of antibiotic resistance through rational drug prescription and use are urgently needed.