Prevalence and Potential Risks of Antibiotic Resistance in Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates in Human and Non-Human Models Collected from Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu in South East Nigeria

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae, a pathogen within the Streptococcaceae family, is significant for its role in neonatal infections, bovine mastitis, and zoonotic threats. Initially identified in animals, particularly in cases of bovine mastitis, S. agalactiae has also become a concern for human health, raising alarms about interspecies transmission, especially in regions with close human-animal contact. The extensive use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine has accelerated the emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains, complicating treatment efforts. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to investigate the prevalence and potential risks of antibiotic resistance in S. agalactiae isolates in human (pregnant and non-pregnant women) and non-human (cow’s milk and fish tissue of catfish and Tilapia) models collected from Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu in South East Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures. Data obtained show that the percent (%) antibiotic resistance in human and non-human models were Ampicillin 55.6 and30; Penicillin 31.5 and 30; Erythromycin 27.8 and 35; Ceftriaxone 22.2 and 40; Chloramphenicol 46.3 and 20; Tetracycline 20.4 and 50 Gentamicin 42.6 and 40; Ofloxacin 25.9 and 35 and Ciprofloacin16.7 and 40 respectively.  Significant antibiotic resistance was observed, particularly in human isolates against Ampicillin and Penicillin. On the other hand, non-human isolates exhibited higher resistance to Tetracycline, likely due to its widespread use in livestock. These findings indicate varying patterns of resistance between human and non-human isolates. The results emphasize the need for stricter antibiotic stewardship and surveillance to prevent the spread of MDR strains, especially in areas where human-animal interactions are common. Addressing these challenges is critical for public health, particularly in Nigeria, where the risks associated with interspecies transmission are pronounced.