METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS COLONIZATION AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN KADUNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: Methicillin resistant S. aureus is known to have significant negative impact on both

immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals (HIV patients).

Aim: This study evaluated the antibiotics susceptibility profile of MRSA staphylococcus aureus

isolated from HIV patients attending Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna.

Methods: Using sterile wet swabs, within the period of 3 months (January – March, 2020), a total

of 180 samples were collected from the skin, ear and nasal cavity of 60 HIV patients, who gave

their consent to be part of the survey and S. aureus was isolated. Isolation, bacteria characterization

and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carryout using the methods described by Chesbrough

and Kirby-Bauer respectively.

Results: Bacteria isolation rate was 76.7% (138/180) in the samples collected, with 56.5% (78)

been Gram positive. The incidence of S. aureus and MRSA were 12.8% and 8.6% respectively.

From the sample sources, the distribution of S. aureus was more in nostrils followed by skin and

ear swab. Resistance was observed against imipenem (86.9%), vancomycin (65.3%), tetracycline

(65.3%) and erythromycin (60.9%) while susceptible to ciprofloxacin (60.9%), streptomycin

(43.5%) and gentamycin (52.2%). High percentage (91.3%) of the S. aureus were multidrug

resistant and had MARI > 0.2.

Conclusion: This study established that high resistant S. aureus with possible MRSA gene could

be responsible for frequent staphylococcus associated infection and resistant to treatment among

HIV patients in Kaduna, Nigeria.