Phenotypic characterization of nosocomial bacterial species on contact surfaces of veterinary clinics and hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Nosocomial bacterial infections are responsible for a variety of diseases in man and animals. 150 Samples were
conveniently collected from contact surfaces of Veterinary Clinics and Hospital and analyzed using culture,
microscopy, biochemical and in-vitro antibiotic testing. The results showed Bacillus species and Escherichia
coli had highest prevalence of 14.7% each, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (13.5%), Streptococcus uberis
and Salmonella enterica (12.0% each), Listeria monocytogenes (10.7%), Corynebacterium diphtheria and
Proteus vulgaris (5.4 %) each. Micrococcus luteus, Shigella, Klebsiella, and Yersinia enterocolitica (2.7%). On
premises, hospital premises „A‟ had prevalence of 29.3% while hospital premise “B” had 17.3%. Contact
surfaces showed prevalence of 7.3% in surgical tables to 2.7% in surgical equipment. Bacterial counts revealed
that 6.5 x106 and 1.0 x 104. Chi-square showed Pearson CM-square of X2=2.529 (df2). P <0.05. Antibiotic
resistance was Amoxicillin (17%), Trimethoprim (17%), Peflacin (33%) and Cefalexin (25%). Susceptibility was
Gentamycin (67%), Ciprofloxacin (88%), Ofloxacin (58%), Streptomycin (50%), Ampicillin (67%) and Nalidixic
acid (33%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.125, 0.1, 0.115, 0.10, 0.125, and 0.625 µg/ml).
Questionnaire survey revealed that 36% respondents had no knowledge of nosocomial infection while 62%
failed to sanitize their hands. Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals in Abuja are thus contaminated with nosocomial
bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics. Awareness sensitization and hygienic measures are necessary in
Nigerian veterinary clinics.