DETECTION AND CHARACTIZATION OF Staphylococcus aureus IN ABATTOIR WATER

ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus is a recognized microflora with pathogenic potentials. The
prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in abattoir and abattoir environment are notably
influenced by hygiene practices and waste management practices. The aim of this study
was to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological profile of slaughterhouse water
sources in Ikpoba Slope, Benin City.
In total, 15 water samples were collected from different points of the slaughter house
using sterile plastic containers. The different points of collection include source water,
processing water, final rinse water, waste water drain and final effluent samples. The
water samples were assessed using physicochemical cultural and biochemical
characterization protocols. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was also evaluated
using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.
The mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts of abattoir water observed in CFU/mL ×
107 were source water (64±0.7), processing water (73±1.1), drain water (80±1.9),
upstream water (392±1.3) and downstream water (415±0.4). The highest value was
observed in downstream water while the least was observed in source water samples. The
resistance profile of S. aureus. The resistance demonstrated by the isolates were
nitrofurantoin [2/4 (50%)], clindamycin [2/4 (50%)], gentamicin [0/4 (0%)], ceftazidime
[4/4 (100%)] and erythromycin [0/4 (0%)]. The highest resistance was demonstrated
towards ampicillin (100%). There was no resistance was demonstrated towards
gentamicin and erythromycin. The MAR index of the S. aureus in this study ranged from
14
0.60 – 0.20. All the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic agent and
demonstrated an MAR index ≥ 0.20.