Bacterial isolates from swab specimens and their susceptibilities to antibacterial agents in Maiduguri Metropolitan City, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim is to assess pathogenic bacteria from infectious swab sites and determine variation in their susceptibility and resistance to commonly utilized antibacterial agents as well as their multi-drug resistance patterns. 385 pathogenic bacteria from clinical swab specimens of ear, wounds, abscesses, eye discharges, diabetic foot ulcers, urethra and high vaginal swabs were isolated through agar culture and investigated for susceptibilities status. Staphylococcus aureus isolates accounted for 50.6%. Pathogens like Escherichia coli (17.4%), Klebsiella spp (11.4%), Pseudomonas spp (9.9%), Proteus spp (9.4%) and Alpha-haemolytic streptococci (1.3%) were similarly isolated. Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp and E. coli showed total resistance to nalidixic acid but Staphylococcus aureus recorded partial resistance with all antibacterial agents. The activities of ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas spp was better than other fluoroquinolones such that significant difference exists (P<0.05) when compared with pefloxacin. The activities of gentamicin against Klebsiella spp appeared not superior to streptomycin. Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin showed uniform activities against Proteus spp, which showed partial resistance to all agents except sparfloxacin. Multi-drugs resistances are high with all organisms. Many pathogens cause infections in swab sites. The knowledge of causative organisms and their sensitivities are important since multi-drug-resistant organisms are widespread, thus making empirical choice difficult.