Susceptibility profiles of biofilm-forming bacterial isolates from armpits to antibiotics and selected roll-on deodorants marketed in Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Armpit malodor has been associated with bacteria capable of converting nonvolatile apocrine secretions into volatile and odoriferous compounds and can be treated by the use of topical antibiotics, deodorants and antiperspirants. This work is  aimed at evaluating the bacterial isolates from armpits of some students in a tertiary institution in southwestern Nigeria for their ability  to form biofilm and their susceptibilities to antibiotics, and selected deodorants marketed in Nigeria.
Methods: Bacteria associated with armpit swabs of 50 students were isolated and characterised using conventional biochemical tests.  The biofilm-forming capacity of the isolates was determined using the Congo red agar (CRA) method. Susceptibility profiles of the CRA- positive isolates to antibiotics and four selected roll-on deodorants were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and agar well  diffusion methods, respectively.
Results: A total of 110 bacterial isolates obtained were basically Staphylococcus spp. (55.45%), Bacillus spp. (41.82%) and Micrococcus spp  (2.73%). The CRA-positive isolates were 24 with significant resistance to penicillin G, fosfomycin, cefuroxime and meropenem. Of  these, Staphylococcus aureus displayed highest level of antibiotic resistance and highest susceptibility to the selected roll-on deodorants. Conclusion: The study concluded that roll-on deodorants could be effective in the management of body odour associated with biofilm- forming bacteria.