Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and Detection of Beta Lactamase Production in Staphylococcus Aureus on Mobile Phones from College of Natural and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen associated with both community and health care associated infections.  Beta-lactamase production is a major mechanism by which Staph. aureus develops resistance to beta lactam antibiotics. Mobile phones serves as a potential fomites for pathogens. This study was carried out to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile and beta lactamase production in Staph. aureus from mobile phones of students from College of Natural  and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. A total of 120 swab samples were randomly collected from the surface of mobile phones of students, 40 each from the three faculties within the college. The samples were cultured and identified using appropriate cultural, microscopic and biochemical standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was evaluated using disc diffusion method as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Beta-lactamase production was evaluated by iodometric methods. A total of 45(37.5%) isolates were identified as Staph, aureus with the highest percentage 18(15.0%) from the faculty of physical sciences. The result of antibiotic sensitivity revealed a maximum sensitivity with Augmentin,Ofloxacin and Perfloxacin91%, Ciprofloxacin 87%, Nalidixic acid 82%. Highest resistance was observed against Ampicillin 95%, followed by Cephalexin 73%, Cotrimaxazole 68%, Gentamycin and Streptomycin 63%. Out of 35 resistant isolates 92.5 % were found to be beta lactamase producers. It was concluded that there is high prevalence of Staph. aureus and Beta-lactamase production is a major mechanism by which Staph. aureus develops resistance to beta lactam antibiotics. There is need for disinfection guidelines of mobile phones to stop transmission of resistant bacteria.