Phenotypic Characterization and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Fomites in General Hospital Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hospital fomites play a significant role in the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Recent studies showed that environmental surfaces and shared hospital equipment frequently harbor MDR pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacterales and enterococci, emphasizing the need for surveillance in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the level of bacterial contamination on hospital fomites, characterize the isolates using phenotypic methods and assess their antibiotic resistance patterns. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and April 2025. Ten high-touch fomites were sampled using sterile swabs. Samples were cultured on selective and differential media, and isolates were identified based on Gram stain and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion and interpreted according to CLSI standards and MDR isolates were determined based on bacterial resistance to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics. Twenty isolates were recovered, comprising Staphylococcus aureus (40%), Enterococcus spp. (20%), Escherichia coli (20%), Salmonella spp. (10%) and Klebsiella spp. (10%). High total viable counts were found on the table top (6.3×10³cfu/mL) and drip stand (5.0×10³cfu/mL). AST revealed widespread resistance, including 100% resistance to Ampicillin. All isolates met MDR criteria, with Klebsiella spp. exhibiting complete resistance to all tested antibiotics. Hospital fomites in Dutsin-Ma harbor phenotypically multidrug-resistant bacteria, posing a potential risk for transmission within patient-care environments, highlighting the need for routine environmental monitoring, strengthened surface disinfection protocols and antimicrobial stewardship interventions.