Title: Molecular Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacteria Isolated from Selected Hospitals within Kaduna State
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is spreading worldwide and poses serious risks to public health. Especially in nations with limited resources where diagnostic capabilities and antibiotic stewardship are often limited. In this study, bacteria were collected from three hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and examined for resistance patterns. Twelve bacterial isolates were randomly selected and analysed using standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical techniques. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to assess their sensitivity to antibiotics. Isolates with high resistance profile were molecularly identified. To detect specific resistance genes, molecular analysis was conducted using PCR assay targeting the streptomycin resistance gene (AadA1), fluoroquinolone resistance gene (ACRA), and erythromycin resistance gene (ERM(C)). The identified organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Esherichia coli. Several isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR), particularly to β-lactam drugs, with β-lactam antibiotics showing higher resistance rates, whereas fluoroquinolones demonstrated high susceptibility across isolates, indicating reduced and increased inhibition, respectively. The presence of all three resistance genes; AadA1, ACRA, and ERM(C) were confirmed in Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, while Escherichia coli carried only the ACRA gene. These findings reveal the presence of multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital settings and emphasise the need for stringent hygiene and disinfection protocols to prevent the spread of resistant strains.
