Hospital Fomites as Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Evidence from a Surgical Ward in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hospital fomites are increasingly recognized as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, contributing to the transmission of hospital-acquired infections in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of enteric bacteria isolated from high-touch surfaces in the surgical ward of General Hospital, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. Twenty swab samples were collected from fomites including beds, sinks, door handles, stethoscopes, drip stands, and surgical instruments. Thirty-eight bacterial isolates were recovered: Escherichia coli (50.0%), Klebsiella spp (23.68%), Salmonella spp (10.53%), Proteus spp (10.53%), and Shigella spp (5.26%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance across isolates. Escherichia coli showed 94.8% resistance to amoxicillin, 84.2% to chloramphenicol, and 68.4% to augmentin. Klebsiella spp exhibited 100% resistance to augmentin, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol. Salmonella spp and Proteus spp were resistant to 100% of amoxicillin and augmentin, while Shigella spp showed complete resistance (100%) to all tested antibiotics. Limited susceptibility was observed: gentamicin inhibited 47.4% of E. coli, 66.7% of Klebsiella spp and 25–50% of Salmonella spp and Proteus spp while ofloxacin was effective against 22.2% of Klebsiella spp and 50% of Salmonella and Proteus spp. Some isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with Proteus and Salmonella spp resistant to up to eight antibiotics, and Shigella spp to nine antibiotics. These findings underscore the persistence of MDR enteric bacteria on hospital fomites and their potential role in nosocomial infection transmission. Strengthened infection prevention strategies, rational antibiotic use, and routine environmental surveillance are urgently needed to curb the spread of resistant pathogens in Nigerian healthcare facilities.