ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and the  antibiotics resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from farm animals in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. A total of 40 samples  were  collected from  the  skin, nose and ear of farm animals in Mouau with the aid of a swab stick and was transported to the laboratory to test for further analysis. The swabs were streaked directly on plates of Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and blood agar, the plates were duplicated and then incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 hours. A total of 16 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were isolated from nasal mucosa (Nose) of Pigs and goat in livestock farm animals in M.O.U.A.U which comprises of  (9) positive Staphylococcus aureus isolates  from pig nose and (7) positive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Goat nose swab respectively. Pig nasal mucosa (Nose) had the highest prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (56%) while the lowest strains were recorded from Goat nasal mucosa Nose (44%) respectively. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pigs has high proportion resistance compared with goat Staphylococcus isolates. Resistance to antibiotics comprised of Amoxill (66.7%), Chloramphenicol (55.6%). Pigs nose swab samples has highest prevalence of the isolate that were resistant to Gentamycin, Rifampicin and Ciprofloxacin respectively. The resistance of S. aureus to antibiotics in the present study might help to understand the distribution of  among human, pig and goat isolates and might help to control S. aureus infections thus recommend that there is need for the development of antimicrobial policy that will guide the prescription, sale, and use of antibiotics through regular surveillance of resistant organisms in our environments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

Lists of Tables vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0   Introduction  1

1.1 Aim and Objectives  4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0  Literature Review    5

2.1 Staphylococcus aureus  5

2.2 Prevalence of Staphyloccus aureus  10

2.3 Staphylococcus aureus in Farm Animals  15

2.4 Emergence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus. aureus (MRSA) 15

2.5 Prevalence of MRSA in Cattle    16

2.6 Zoonotic Implications of Bovine MRSA    17

2.7 Prevention and Control of MRSA    18

CHAPTER THREE

3.0  Materials and Methods    20

3.1 Sample Collection  20

3.2 Media Used 20

 3.3 Isolation and Identification of Bacteria 20

3.3.1 Gram Staining  21

3.4 Biochemical Tests 21

3.4.1 Catalase Test 21

3.4.2 Coagulase Test    21

3.5  Determination of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern  22

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0  Results 23

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0  Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 29

5.1 Discussion 29

5.2 Conclusion 31

5.3 Recommendation 32

References