Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Microorganisms Isolated from Tap Surfaces in Nigeria Campus

Abstract

Resistance of microorganisms to available antimicrobial agents have resulted in pernicious effect to human health over the last decades. The increase in antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic microorganisms particularly in tap surfaces is a major concern to the society. This research focused on the investigation of antimicrobial resistance pattern of pathogenic organisms (bacteria and fungi) isolated from various tap surfaces in the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Obakere campus, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Samples were obtained from different locations (laboratories, hostels and toilets) in FUTA. The samples were analyzed microbiologically on selective, differential and general purpose media. The isolated organisms were identified by the routine microbiological methods. Among the pathogenic microorganisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. oxytoca Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter freundii, Acinectobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporium. The percentage distribution varies with P. aeruginosa (26.09%) having the highest percentage and Klebsiella sp. (4.45%) recorded at the lowest percentage of occurrence. All fungi isolated have simillar percentage distribution. The isolates displayed various levels of resistance to piperacillin (100%), ampicillin (66.67%). ceftazidime (66.67%), tetracycline (83.33%), cefepime (66.67%) and chloramphenicol (66.67%). The resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate by E. coli and C. freundii isolated from taps surfaces were 60% and 50%, respectively. K. pneumoniae from tap water surface has 100% resistance to cefepime. The high resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents indicated a great threat to people living within FUTA community that constantly obtaining water from these taps surfaces.