*1,2Suleiman, H. A., 1Mukhtar, G. L., and 1Hayatuddeen, M. R.
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Science, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria
2Department of Medicine, General Hospital Kankia, Katsina State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: suleimanaliyuhayatulah@gmail.com; Tel: 08030835316; ORCID: 0009-0007-9878-3582
Abstract:
Background: Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a major global public health challenge, as they can reduce the effectiveness of modern medical treatments and clinical care. The most important of these pathogens are those listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) of 2024. This study determined the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the WHO bacterial priority pathogens in three selected hospital settings in Katsina State, Nigeria.
Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional targeted survey of the WHO bacterial priority pathogens in 230 clinical samples from patients with suspected bacterial infections. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard microbiological procedures. The resistance patterns were determined after performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on the isolates in accordance with the 2024 CLSI guidelines. Further characterization of the pathogens was done using phenotypic resistance detection methods, including the double disk synergy test (DDST), Carba NP, and MRSA detection tests.
Results: Of the 230 samples, 113 samples (49.1%) yielded bacterial growth, with Gram-negative bacteria accounting for 58.4% of the isolates. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Klebsiella aerogenes (22.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (20.4%). The highest frequency of isolates (29.2%) was obtained from urine samples. The isolated bacteria showed high resistance to most antibiotics tested, with resistance rates to imipenem and cephalexin ranging from 78.3% to 100%, however gentamicin against Gram-negative and vancomycin against Grampositive isolates were relatively effective. The overall prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 91.8% and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index value of all the isolates was greater than 0.2, which indicated exposure to high-risk sources of antimicrobial pressure. The WHO priority bacterial pathogens accounted for 77.0% of the total isolates. The most prevalent were third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (39.8%).
Conclusion: The WHO bacterial priority pathogens with high antimicrobial resistance are present in hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria. These findings highlight the necessity of enhancing laboratory diagnostic capacity, routine culture and sensitivity testing before antibiotic administration, implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship programs, establishing regulations limiting over-the-counter antibiotic sales, and strengthening infection control and prevention practices within healthcare facilities in the State.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, WHO, Bacterial priority, Multidrug-resistant bacteria, Carbapenem-resistance
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