Nasal Carriage Rate of Staphylococcus Aureus from Children Peddling Petty Trade at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Campus

Abstract The nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among children peddling petty trade on the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto campus was investigated to assess the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus isolates. Nasal carriage is influenced by a combination of host-related factors, bacterial virulence, environmental conditions, and socio-behavioral practices. This study identified seven isolates of S. aureus from nasal swabs and evaluated their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. The antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates (100%) were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and gentamycin, with mean zones of inhibition of 20.57 mm, 17.57 mm, and similar high efficacy rates, respectively. Resistance to ampiclox was observed in 14.29% of isolates, while 85.71% demonstrated susceptibility. For streptomycin, 28.57% of isolates were susceptible, 57.14% were intermediate, and 14.29% exhibited resistance. Similarly, for ampicillin, 42.56% of isolates were susceptible, and 57.14% showed intermediate resistance. The results established a susceptibility threshold where zones of inhibition measuring 6.00 mm above is indicated susceptibility, while 5.00mm to 1.00 mm zones denoted as intermediate and 0.00mm is denoted as resistance. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility patterns to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance. The susceptibility of S. aureus isolates to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and gentamicin suggests their potential as effective therapeutic agents. However, the emergence of resistance to other antibiotics highlights the need for judicious antibiotic use and the implementation of hygiene measures to reduce the spread of S. aureus. This study provides valuable insights into the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of nasal S. aureus isolates in a vulnerable population and supports efforts to improve public health interventions and antimicrobial stewardship.