Antibiogram P`rofile of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Fomites in Medical Wards, General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

This study investigated the antibiogram profile of enteric bacterial pathogens isolated from fomites in the medical ward of General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. A total of 10 fomite samples were collected, with the highest contamination rates observed on bedside tables (80%), bed rails (75%), and patient charts (70%). The predominant pathogens isolated included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed significant multidrug resistance, particularly to Augmentin,chloranphenicol, andTrivid (70%), gentamicin (60%), and septrin (50%). However, lower resistance rates were observed for amikacin (20%) and ciprofloxacin (30%), suggesting their potential efficacy in treating infections caused by these pathogens. The findings highlight gaps in infection prevention measures, including inadequate fomite disinfection and suboptimal hand hygiene practices, emphasizing the need for improved infection control protocols and antimicrobial stewardship programs. The study recommends enhanced cleaning protocols, regular microbial surveillance of fomites, and education on hand hygiene to reduce pathogen transmission. Additionally, the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in controlling the spread of resistance is emphasized. The research suggests further studies on the molecular mechanisms of resistance, the effectiveness of different disinfection agents, and the role of other hospital areas in pathogen transmission