Current trend in antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Clostridium tetani isolated from soil samples in Kano

Abstract

The need for a regular assessment of the antimicrobial sensitivity patterns among tetanus causing as well as infectious members of Clostridia found in soil-human settlement provides a justification for the present study. Accordingly, soil from various locations of Bayero University Campus, Kano was screened for the isolation of C. tetani by anaerobic culturing procedures. The organism was detected in 60% of the soil samples. The isolates were tested against commonly prescribed drugs including sparfloxacin, ciprofloxin, chloramphenicol, cloxacillin and metronidazole by disc diffusion technique. Flouroquinolones; sparfloxacin (30μg), ciprofloxacin (30μg), metronidazole (5μg), gentamycin (10μg) and tetracycline (10μg) showed greater in vitro inhibitory effect. The activity of erythromycin (5μg) and chloramphenicol (30μg) was moderate. However, all penicillin derivatives (augmentin (30μg), amoxicillin (25μg), cloxacillin (5μg) and penicillin V (30μg) as well as cotrimoxazole (25μg) were all inactive against the organism. The flouroquinolones, genta,mycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline remain the drugs of choice against infections due to the organism, while co-trimoxazole and members of the penicillin group of antimicrobials appeared to loose their in vitro potency and effectiveness.

Keywords: Clostridium tetani, Soil isolate, Chemotherapy, Antimicrobial Susceptibility