PREVELENCE OF METHICILIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCI AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY STUDENT IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus among apparently healthy students at a tertiary institution in Benin City, Nigeria. A cohort of 350 students was recruited, and nasal swabs were collected, yielding 100 staphylococcal isolates which is 28.6% of yield from sample0. Analysis using disk diffusion method for antibiotic resistant of colony isolated from Mueller Hinton agar revealed that 38.30% of S. aureus isolates were methicillinresistant, while 66.67% of coagulase-negative staphylococci exhibited methicillin resistance. The Chi-square test indicated no significant difference (p = 0.169) in methicillin resistance prevalence between S. aureus and CoNS isolates. However, a detailed comparison of the Multiple Antibiotic Resistant (MAR) index unveiled significant differences, notably in S. aureus (p = 0.030). Resistance profiles demonstrated varying degrees of resistance among MRSA and MRCoNS isolates, with rates ranging from 10.34% to 100% across different antibiotics. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship programs to combat the proliferation of multidrug-resistant staphylococcal strains among seemingly healthy individuals. The prevalence of methicillin resistance highlights the potential for transmission and the importance of surveillance in academic settings. By enhancing awareness and implementing effective preventive measures, it is possible to mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance and safeguard the health of students and the wider community.