Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern Of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From The Palms Of Food Handlers In Umuahia

ABSTRACT

 The antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the palms of food handlers in Umuahia was analysed. Sixty(60) samples were collected, and of the sixty samples, all were positive to Staphylococcus aureus. A multidisc containing 8 antibiotics which included Gentamycin, Ceftriaxone, Cloxacillin, Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, Ofloxacin and Erythromycin was used. Exactly 100% were sensitive to Gentamycin, hundred percent (100%) were positive to Ceftriaxone. Twenty five (25%) of the S. aureus isolates were sensitive to Erythromycin, forty percent (40%) were intermediate to it and 35% were resistance to it. Exactly 100% of the isolates were resistance to Cloxacillin, Augmentin, Ceftazidime and Cefuroxime. Ninety percent (90%) were sensitive to Ofloxacin and only 10% of the isolates were resistance to it. This study suggests that there is need to improve on hygiene practices of food handlers in Umuahia in order to prevent or reduce as the case may be the incidence of food borne diseases.