Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Shigella spp Isolated from Gastroenteritis Patients attending some Hospitals in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Shigella spp. are among the major causes of gastroenteritis, some of which have become multidrug resistant (MDR), making the infection a public health threat. The study was aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors, and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Shigella spp. isolated from gastroenteritis patients. A total of 540 stool samples were collected, involving 450 from gastroenteritis patients (GEPs) and 90 from apparently healthy individuals (AHIs). The isolates were identified based on conventional microbiological techniques, and their susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. The patients’ information and demographics were obtained by administering a questionnaire. The overall prevalence recorded was 0.9%, with 1.1% and 0% in GEPs and AHIs, respectively (Odds ratio = 2.246; 95% CI = 0.1225-40.7708; Significance Level = 0.5873). The highest (2.4%) and lowest (0%) prevalence was recorded among patients who presented with diarrhea and formed stool, respectively (p = 0.0487). The prevalence was higher among those who presented with bloody stool (23.1%) compared to those whose stool appeared normal (0.23%) (p = 0.00001). Additionally, a prevalence of 4.8% and 0% was observed among those who experienced fever and headache, respectively, and the observed differences were significant (p = 0.0097). However, neither age nor gender was found to be a risk factor. All the isolates were susceptible to augmentin, and 60% of the isolates showed a significant Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index. It was concluded that the prevalence of shigellosis was comparatively low and that most of the patients presented with bloody diarrhea and fever. Augmentin was the drug of choice, and a possible sign of inappropriate use of antibiotics was observed among the subjects.