Biology and Life Sciences
Volume: 141 , Issue: 1 , January Published Date: 25 January 2024
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 303 , Download: 203 , Pages: 165 - 172
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP1001411120245986
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 303 , Download: 203 , Pages: 165 - 172
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP1001411120245986
Authors
| # | Author Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Iredia Q.I. |
| 2 | Ebode N.O. |
| 3 | Iyoha U.J. |
| 4 | Ogbeide J.O. |
| 5 | Ugiagbe O. |
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is ubiquitous and may be a part of human flora found in the axillae, the inguinal and perineal areas, and the anterior nares. Healthy carriers are potential source of Staphylococcus aureus infection and spread to other body sites as well as to other individuals. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among students of College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. The study population comprises of students within the age range of 17 - 25 years with a number of 80 males and 80 females. A total of one hundred and sixty (160) nasal swabs from Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences students were used in the study. Nasal swabs were collected in good light vision from subjects bending their heads backward to collect the specimens deep down the anterior passages using a sterile swab stick. Both right and left nostrils were used. Out of the eighty (80) swabs sticks sampled, thirty (30) yielded growth out of which twenty-eight (28) were Staphylococcus aureus and the other two (2) are Streptococcus species. Out of the sampled males, 34 (42.5%) were positive to Staphylococcus aureus and out of the female samples, 22 (27.5%) were positive to Staphylococcus aureus. The percentage prevalence of the male samples from the total number of samples collected in the study was higher (21.25%) than that of the female samples (13.75%) in the study. From the study students within the age range 17 – 19 years had the lowest percentage prevalence 10.0% of Staphylococcus aureus, students within the age range 23 – 25 years had 11.3% while those of age range 20 – 22 years had the highest percentage prevalence of 13.8%. In conclusion, a relatively high prevalence rate of Staphylococcus aureus in nasal carriage was recorded among the investigated students of College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. Moreover, 10% of the investigated carriers harboured Staphylococcus aureus in their anterior nares increasing the likelihood of transmission of the pathogen. These findings resurges the imperative need for protective measures by school among their students.