Prevalence of Nasal Staphylococcus aureus Colonization amongst Medical Students of Igbinedion University Okada
P. O. Solomon *
Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
H. O. Okpala
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
B. H. Oladeinde
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Edo University Iyamoh, Edo State, Nigeria.
Missan Olley
Department of Pathology, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 011, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
K. O. Okon
Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological data of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence among students is relatively few. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of S. Aureus and MRSA nasal colonization among healthy students.
Method: One hundred and twenty nasal samples were collected from healthy students without symptoms of nasal infections and analysed by standard microbiological techniques. A study questionnaire was administered comprising the demographic information of each student.
Results: Of the 120 nasal specimens, S. aureus was isolated in 80 (66.6%) with high colonization rate among Medical Laboratory Science students and 39 (48.8%) identified as MRSA with colonization rate found to be higher among medical laboratory science students (Medical Laboratory Science vs Pharmacy: 76.9% VS. 23.1%) and females found to have a higher prevalence of MRSA than males (female vs male: 64.1% vs. 35.9%) and Students within the age group of 18-20 years had the highest prevalence of MRSA of 76.9%. S. aureus in this study was observed to be most susceptible to amoxicillin (81.5%) and least susceptible to Ceftazidime (6.2%).
Conclusion: The study revealed high MRSA colonization among students. Personal hygiene and prudent use of antibiotics should be encouraged. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the findings.
Keywords: Nasal carriage, S. aureus, MRSA, antibiotic resistant strain.