PREVALENCE OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS NASAL CARRIERS AMONG STUDENTS OF IGINEDION UNIVERSITY OKADA

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a common colonizer of the human nasal cavity and an important cause of community and hospital-associated infections. The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major public health concern due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and associated treatment challenges.

 Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers among students of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.

 Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 150 apparently healthy students was carried out between July and September 2025. Nasal swab samples were aseptically collected using sterile cotton swabs and cultured on blood agar and mannitol salt agar. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolates was performed using standard microbiological procedures, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disc diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

 Results: Out of the 150 samples analyzed, 22 (14.7%) showed significant growth of Staphylococcus aureus. All 22 isolates (100.0%) were resistant to methicillin, indicating complete prevalence of MRSA among the isolates recovered. Female students showed a higher prevalence of MRSA carriage (78.0%) compared to males (22.0%). Students within the age group of 20–24 years had the highest prevalence of MRSA colonization (74.0%).

 Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among nasal carriers in the study population. Continuous surveillance, improved personal hygiene, and prudent use of antibiotics are recommended to reduce the spread of resistant strains within the university community.