ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM PREGNANT AND NON –PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus

isolated from pregnant and non-pregnant women attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia.

Methods: A total of 150 participants, comprising both pregnant and non-pregnant women, were

recruited using a descriptive cross-sectional design and random sampling technique. Clean-catch

midstream urine samples were collected, and data were obtained through structured questionnaires.

The samples were cultured using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were identified based

on colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: The overall prevalence of S.

aureus was 23.3%, with a higher occurrence in pregnant women (14.7%) compared to non-pregnant

women (8.7%). Ciprofloxacin (91.4%) and pefloxacin (77.1%) showed the highest effectiveness

against the isolates, while ampiclox (83%), cefuroxime (97%), and amoxicillin exhibited the highest

resistance rates. Notably, isolates from pregnant women demonstrated greater susceptibility to

ciprofloxacin and azithromycin than those from non-pregnant women. Conclusion: The study reveals

a significant prevalence of S. aureus among women, particularly in pregnant individuals. The

resistance observed against commonly used antibiotics underscores the need for continuous

surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility. Increased awareness on personal hygiene, rational

antibiotic use, and routine screening is recommended to mitigate the risk of infections.