Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant opportunistic pathogen and a public health concern due to its multidrug-resistant nature and potential for zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of MRSA in apparently healthy dogs in Ekosodin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 160 dogs were sampled, and nasal swabs were processed using standard microbiological techniques. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified based on colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests (catalase and coagulase). Methicillin resistance was determined phenotypically using cefoxitin (30 µg), while antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of the 160 dogs sampled, 146 (91.3%) were positive for S. aureus, and 142 (97.3%) were confirmed as MRSA, corresponding to an overall MRSA prevalence of 88.8%. MRSA carriage was highest in dogs aged 0–1 year (100%), and gender had no significant effect on prevalence. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance among MRSA isolates to amoxicillin, erythromycin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, streptomycin, azithromycin, and fluoroquinolones, with partial sensitivity retained for rifampicin (58.1%), ciprofloxacin
(46.5%), and levofloxacin (51.2%). MSSA isolates were generally more susceptible, showing statistically significant higher sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, erythromycin, and cefuroxime (with p-value of 0.047, 0.004 and 0.005 respectively). These findings highlight the widespread carriage of multidrug-resistant MRSA among dogs in the study area, underscoring the need for prudent antibiotic use, improved hygiene, and public awareness to mitigate potential zoonotic transmission.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequently encountered bacterial
infections globally, particularly prevalent among young adults such as university students. Risk factors including poor hygiene practices, sexual activity, and limited access to timely healthcare contribute significantly to the occurrence of these infections. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other uropathogenic bacteria in urine samples of selected students from the University of Benin. A total of 60 midstream urine samples were aseptically collected from consenting students and subjected to comprehensive laboratory analysis. Urinalysis was performed to detect markers such as leukocytes, nitrites, and protein. The identified microorganisms were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the standard disc diffusion method. The results showed that 24% of urine samples tested positive for leukocytes, 17% for nitrites, and 15% for protein, indicating possible UTIs. Bacterial counts were generally higher in female students, within 21–25 age group showing the highest mean TVC. Six distinct bacterial species were isolated, with Staphylococcus aureus (33%) being the most prevalent, followed by Escherichia coli (21%), Pseudomonas spp. (11%), and MRSA (16.7%). MRSA occurrence was higher in females compared to males and also peaked in the 21–25 age group. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that Staphylococcus aureus showed resistance to cloxacillin and oxacillin, while Proteus sp. and Klebsiella sp. were susceptible to ofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The highest MAR index of 0.44 was observed in Staphylococcus aureus, indicating significant multidrug resistance. The findings indicate the presence of multidrugresistant uropathogens in the student population. This shows a potential reservoir for transmission, necessitating improved sanitation in hostels and public health campaigns to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance. Further research should focus on molecular characterization of resistance genes and explore alternative strategies such as targeted antimicrobial therapies and hygiene interventions.

Vancomycin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a strain of S. aureus that has developed overtime due to the overuse ofvancomycin as an antibiotic for the treatment against S.aureus xinfections which have reduced the available options of managing the pathogen that causes a lot of infections including UTIs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) from urine samples of selected students in the University of Benin, Edo State. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and sixty urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological andbiochemical methods to isolate and identify vancomycin-resistant S.aureus(VRSA) and assess their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The results revealed that 23.3% of samples showed leukocytes, while Staphylococcus aureus (33%) was the most predominant isolate, followed by Escherichia coli (21%) and Pseudomonas spp. (11%). The overall VRSA prevalence was 6.7%, with a higher rate among females (5.0%) than males (1.7%). The isolates exhibited high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, while most remained susceptible to ofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The findings emphasize a significant occurrence of antimicrobial resistance particularly vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, among university students. It concludes that improved hygiene practices, rational antimicrobial use, and continuous antimicrobial surveillance are vital to controlling the spread of resistant strains in the university communities.

External eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms invade the eyes thereby inflicting harm. Infection in the eyes occurs in three main parts: eyelid, cornea and conjunctiva. The study was carried out to assess bacterial associated with ocular infections. A questionnaire was used to obtain participants demographics and basic general information related to the work. Thereafter samples from 50 healthy students in university of Benin was obtained from the lower cul-de-sac by using a sterile swap stick. Within 4-6 hours of collection, the samples were transported under aseptic condition to the laboratory for analysis. On MacConkey agar, nutrient agar, and mannitol salt agar, the samples were inoculated. The microbes isolated were determined using typical microbial and biological procedures. Antimicrobial test was carried out to ascertain the sensitivity or resistant status of each isolate. The commonest flora isolated was Escherichia Coli in 96% of participants. The total mean CFU for males and females was 3.145 and 2.660 respectively (p=0.519). There was a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with prevalence of Escherichia Coli (p=0.009), also a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with percentage of occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=<0.001). There was also a relationship between history of visit to clinic and percentage occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=0.010) and history of visit to clinic with percentage occurrence of Escherichia Coli (0.023) and also a significant relationship was seen between the listed names of the eyedrop with percentage of occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.054). This study showed that lifestyles factors such as contact lens use and eye drop use can affect the normal flora of a person.