ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) ASSOCIATED WITH WOUND PUS IN PATIENTS IN HAJIYA GAMBO SAWABA GENERAL HOSPITAL KOFAR GAYAN, ZARIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Wound infections remain a significant public health concern, particularly in hospital settings
where they contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and high morbidity
rates. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), has further complicated treatment outcomes. This study investigated the
bacterial pathogens associated with wound pus infections and their antibiotic resistance patterns
at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar Gayan, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total
of 15 wound pus samples were aseptically collected from patients of different ages and sexes
using sterile swab sticks. Samples were inoculated on Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar, and
Mannitol Salt Agar, incubated at 37°C for 24–48 hours, and the resulting colonies identified
through Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the
Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) (46.7%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.7%), Escherichia coli (20.0%), and
Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.6%). MRSA isolates showed 100% resistance to oxacillin and
ampicillin, moderate sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (57.1%) and gentamicin (71.4%), and high
resistance to erythromycin (57.1%). The findings highlight a high burden of multidrug-resistant
bacteria in wound infections, consistent with national and global trends. Regular culture and
sensitivity testing, antimicrobial stewardship, and strict infection control measures are
recommended to combat the spread of resistant pathogens
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