A study on the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus from nasal samples of female students at the Obafemi Awolowo university campus

Abstract

One of the predominant bacteria found in the nose is Staphylococcus aureus, and they are found in approximately the same number as on the skin and face. This study was carried out to isolate and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus gotten from the nasal cavity of female students (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels) of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife campus, state, Nigeria. Out of 40 samples obtained from the nasal cavity of the female students, a total of 9 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were confirmed. Based on the biochemical tests, they were all Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase positive, coagulase positive and DNase positive. The antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 88.9% were resistant to penicillin. Therefore, to avoid infection by drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus , people must ensure that their nose is kept clean and should practice good hygiene especially in hospital environments to prevent nosocomial infections due to Staphylococcus aureus .