Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria on Selected Hospital Surfaces in Paediatric wards of a Nigerian Hospital

The hospital surfaces are frequently contaminated with important health care associated pathogens. These surfaces represent a secondary reservoir for microorganisms. The study was conducted in 2013 to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant isolates on selected hospital surfaces in paediatrics ward of UITH, Ilorin. Samples were collected using ethylene oxide sterilized swab stick pre-moistened with sterile normal saline from selected non-critical surfaces and were aseptically cultured on media and incubated aerobically at 35-37°C for 18-24hours. Identification of bacterial isolates was carried out using standard microbiological procedure. Isolates identified as Staphylococcus aureus were screened for MRSA using cefoxitin disk diffusion method, and the Gram negative isolates such as Klebsiella species and E.coli were screened for ESBL production using the double disk synergy test. A prevalence of 19.05% was recorded for MRSA production in this study with the highest occurrence found at the emergency paediatric units of the hospital. The prevalence of extended spectrum Beta lactamase production (ESBL) K. pneumoniae and E. coli was found to be 18.9% It was only K. pneumoniae that was positive for ESBL production. The isolation of MRSA from surfaces within paediatric wards is of great importance because of the immaturity of the immune system of paediatric population which may result in prolong hospital stay, increased cost of treatment and treatment failure may occur due to acquisition of multidrug resistant bacteria. Influx of patient's relation within the hospital wards should be reduced, however patients with multidrug resistant bacterial infection should be isolated and healthcare givers should observe the five moment of hand washing recommended by WHO.