Vancomycin Resistance Among Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Obtained from Selected Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

The decreased susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to vancomycin, along with the subsequent emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains (VRSA), presents a significant public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among clinical isolates obtained from patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto and Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital Sokoto. A total of 80 S. aureus clinical isolates were obtained from the medical microbiology laboratories of the selected hospitals. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was conducted using the agar dilution method, and the isolates were screened for vancomycin resistance using the vancomycin agar screen method. The results revealed that 69 (86%) of the isolates were vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus (VSSA) with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of ≤2 µg/mL. Eleven (13.8%) isolates were classified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) with MIC values ranging from 4-8 µg/mL. Notably, none of the isolates were identified as vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA). This study highlights a high prevalence of VISA in the region, underlining the importance of increased public awareness regarding the dangers posed by drug-resistant bacteria. It stresses the need to discourage practices such as the over-the-counter use of medications, which contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms.