MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF ORAL CAVITY OF SOME POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS

This study investigated the microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of microorganisms isolated from the oral cavity of some Polytechnic students. The aim was to identify the microbial flora present, determine their frequency of occurrence, and assess their response to commonly used antibiotics. Oral swab samples were collected from eight (8) students using sterile swab sticks and subjected to standard microbiological procedures, including cultural, microscopic, and biochemical characterization for bacterial identification, while fungal isolates were identified using cultural and morphological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The total bacterial count ranged from 44 cfu/cm² to 108 cfu/cm², with sample B recording the highest count (108 cfu/cm²) and sample F the least (44 cfu/cm²). The identified bacterial isolates included Streptococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., with frequency and percentage occurrences of 35.9%, 27.4%, 24.0%, and 12.0%, respectively. The fungal count ranged from 4 cfu/cm² to 13 cfu/cm², with Candida sp. (55.9%) being the most prevalent, followed by Aspergillus sp. (27.9%) and Geotrichum sp. (16.2%). Antibiotic susceptibility results showed that the bacterial isolates exhibited the highest sensitivity to fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, peflacine, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin) and aminoglycosides (streptomycin and gentamycin), while some resistance was observed against cephalosporins such as ceptazole. Pseudomonas sp. and Streptococcus sp. were notably sensitive to multiple antibiotics, whereas Staphylococcus sp. showed moderate resistance. The findings suggest that the oral cavities of the students harbor both commensal and opportunistic microorganisms, which reflect the dynamic nature of the human oral microbiome. Poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, and possible misuse of antibiotics could contribute to the microbial diversity and emerging resistance patterns observed. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding indiscriminate antibiotic use, and promoting periodic oral health education to preserve a balanced oral microbiota and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance among students.