Antibiogram of Salmonella among Internally Displaced Persons in Selected States of North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Salmonella infections remain a major public health concern in developing regions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in North-Central Nigeria. However, there is limited location-specific data on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in IDP settings within this region. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns (antibiogram) of Salmonella isolates obtained from IDP camps in Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. Standard microbiological techniques were employed, including the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Additionally, Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) production was detected using double-disc synergy and confirmatory tests. A total of 27 isolates from the three study locations demonstrated varying susceptibility patterns. Ciprofloxacin consistently showed the highest effectiveness, with sensitivity rates ranging from 87.5% to 90%, followed by ceftriaxone and norfloxacin. Conversely, high resistance was observed against commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin (77.8–87.5%) and tetracycline (66.7–75%). Moderate resistance levels were also recorded for co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, and amoxicillin. Notably, 37.0% of the isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers, indicating the presence of advanced resistance mechanisms. The findings highlight a growing burden of multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains in IDP settings, driven by poor sanitation, overcrowding, and indiscriminate antibiotic use. This study underscores the importance of continuous surveillance and the use of evidence-based antibiograms to guide effective treatment strategies in resource-limited environments.