Isolation, Molecular Identification and Plasmid Profiling of Staphylococcus Species from Nasal Carriage of University Some Students of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Nasal carriage with Staphylococcus species is a common risk factor for invasive infections, indicating the necessity to monitor prevalent strains, This study was aimed to isolation, molecularly identify, and profile the plasmid of Staphylococcus species from the nasal carriage of some University students of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fifty (50) Nasal swab samples were collected from the anterior nares of some students of Rivers State University using sterile cotton swabs. The samples were examined for the presence of Staphylococcus species using standard bacteriological methods by streaking on mannitol salt agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37.2⁰C.  Identification and plasmid proofing of the isolated Staphylococcus species were carried out using genomics studies. The results showed that 48 out of the 50 samples examined were positive Staphylococcus species which includes Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus simulans , Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus Camosus, this indication that Staphylococcus species does not only colonize sick or individuals with the sign of infection but also healthy individual, The results of plasmid profiling of the five Staphylococcus species revealed that all the species posses plasmid which is capable to enhance their resistance to the commonly used antibiotics The presence of these Staphylococcus species is a serious public concern because even though only S. aureus is the only known human pathogen others could be opportunistic pathogens. Therefore continuous surveillance and improvement of personal hygiene standards among students is highly recommended such as hand washing with soap and warm water since Staphylococcus species can quickly be spread among students.