The Prevalence and Antibiotic-resistant Profile of Staphylococcus aureus from Fomites in a Tertiary Institution in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ARSA) poses a significant public health threat, especially in environments with high human contact such as tertiary institutions. This study was justified by the need to address the role of fomites as vectors for the transmission of ARSA, particularly in communal settings where contamination can lead to widespread infections. The investigation aimed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus from fomites in a tertiary institution in Ibadan, Nigeria, and assess the antibiotic resistance profiles of these isolates. Fifteen samples were collected from various fomites within the institution and were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA). Biochemical tests, including catalase, coagulase, and hemolysis assays, were used for the identification of Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted using the disk diffusion method to determine the resistance patterns of the isolates. Additionally, biofilm formation, which complicates infection control, was assessed using Congo red agar. The results revealed that 54% of the isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, 33% as Staphylococcus epidermidis, and 13% as Staphylococcus hemolyticus. The isolates exhibited high resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including beta-lactams, with significant multi-drug resistance observed. Furthermore, all isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming abilities, which increase their virulence and resistance to environmental stressors. This study highlights the critical role of fomites in the transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus in communal settings. This finding underscores the urgent need for stringent hygiene practices, routine surveillance, and targeted interventions to control the spread of ARSA in environments with frequent human interaction.