Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Salmonella species in Asymptomatic Individuals in Makurdi Metropolis

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, of Salmonella species among asymptomatic individuals in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state, North central Nigeria. Study Design:  Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Agriculture, Makurdi in July 2023. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 randomly selected asymptomatic individuals in the Makurdi metropolis of Benue state, Nigeria from July 2023 to January 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The stool specimens collected were examined for Salmonella using recommended culture methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the disk diffusion technique. Data were described using descriptive statistical tools. Results: The overall prevalence of Salmonella species was 48.7% (146/300). Salmonella species were more resistant to ampicillin (77.4%), tetracycline, (89.7%), and chloramphenicol (76.7%) but susceptible to norbactin (4.1%), ciprofloxacin (4.1%), and gentamicin (17.1%). Also, 80.0% of Salmonella species were multidrug resistant. Conclusion: The findings showed that the carrier rate of Salmonella, was average. Most isolates have also developed resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin and chloramphenicol. This development demands proper awareness campaigns and better hygiene and sanitary control measures to reduce the risk of infection.