Title : Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus in edible vegetables sold in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria
Abstract:
Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen which is responsible for various infections when ingested. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from edible vegetables sold in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria.
Methods: Five (5) samples of vegetables were collected from three (3) different markets. The samples were aseptically collected and transported to Microbiology Laboratory in Federal University of Technology, Minna. The samples were serially diluted and plated on Nutrient Agar and Manitol Salt Agar. Isolates of S. aureus obtained were identified via their Gram reaction and various biochemical tests. The isolates were subjected to antibiotics susceptibility test using various antibiotic discs, including Oxacillin.
Results: The results revealed that tomatoes had the highest microbial count of 6 x 104, followed by lettuce and cabbage with 5 x 104 respectively. Lettuce had the highest occurrence of S. aureus (25%), followed by the occurrence of S. aureus (12.50%) in carrot, cabbage, cucumber and tomatoes respectively. Isolates obtained in this study were 100% resistant to the commonly used Penicillins in the study area. Similarly, the isolates were also reported to be completely resistant to Oxacillin. This therefore confirms that all isolated S. aureus obtained in this study were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Significance: Therefore, there is an urgent need for the government and health care workers to create awareness on the ills associated with the misuse of drugs and also ensure that new therapeutic agents are produced to curtail infections associated with resistant S. aureus.
