Incidence and Antibacterial Susceptibility Profile of Isolates from the Surfaces of Inanimate Objects in a Paediatric Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Kano, Nigeria.

Abstract

Contaminated surfaces of inanimate objects of healthcare facilities have been identified as possible routes for transmission of Hospital Acquired Infections amongst patients, especially children. These infections have been attributed to the increase in morbidity and mortality as well as increased length of hospital stays. This study aimed to identify pathogens found on inanimate surfaces in a Paediatric ward of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the organisms. Seventy (70) swab samples were collected from different inanimate surfaces using sterile swab sticks. The samples were inoculated on MacConkey and Blood agar at 37°C for 18-24 hours. Gram staining and biochemical tests were used to identify the organisms. Antibiotic susceptibility profile was carried out using Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method. A total of 48 organisms, which include S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and K. pneumoniae were isolated. Gram positive organisms were 41.7% while the Gram negative were 58.3%. S. aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen. Occurrence of isolates was 20.8% on children's lockers, bedside floor and beds while doorknobs had 16.8%. Teddy bears and stethoscopes had 10.4%. A 100% resistance to ciprofloxacin was observed in the K. pneumoniae isolates. Varying resistance from 40-45% against ceftazidime, cefuroxime and nitrofurantoin was observed in the S. aureus isolates. The Gram-negative pathogens showed resistance pattern ranging from 61.5% to 75% against Amoxicillin clavulanic acid, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. The study has shown that inanimate surfaces in the paediatric ward habours pathogenic organisms. Effective hygiene control and disinfection should be implemented.