Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Shigella and Salmonella Species among Children under Five with Diarrhoea in Enugu State, Nigeria
Humphrey A. Nwobodo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Jane Obasikene
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Somtochukwu Chukwunweike Ezenwalie *
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
Chimalu Moses Ugwu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Chidindu Cyprian Ordi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Raphael Chekwube Okiro
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Juliana Chinaza Ikechukwu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Vera Chiamaka Ofili
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Diarrheal diseases caused by Shigella and Salmonella species are a significant public health concern globally, particularly in children under five years. These pathogens are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, contributing to approximately 1.6 million deaths annually worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and associated risk factors of Shigella and Salmonella species among children under five years presenting with diarrhea at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu.
Study Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional design was utilized.
Methodology: Stool samples and demographic data were collected from 100 children under five years attending the pediatric department. Samples were analyzed using microscopy, culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and the disk diffusion method for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, inferential statistics (Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test), and multivariate analysis (logistic regression).
Results: Shigella species were not detected (0.0% prevalence), while Salmonella species were identified in 4 samples, resulting in a 4.0% prevalence rate. Salmonella was identified as the commonest bacterial pathogen in this population. Infection prevalence showed a borderline significant association with child age (3–5 years: 100.0% of cases, p = 0.050) and approached significance for residence type (rural areas: 75.0% of cases, p = 0.087). AST on Salmonella isolates showed 100% resistance to Nitrofurantoin, Chloramphenicol, and Clarithromycin. High resistance (75.0%) was also noted for Amoxicillin, Pefloxacin, Streptomycin, and Gentamicin. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated the highest sensitivity rate (75.0%).
Conclusion: The observed low prevalence of Shigella and Salmonella may be linked to improved water sanitation and hygiene practices, or effective public health interventions in the study area. However, the high antimicrobial resistance observed in Salmonella isolates to commonly prescribed drugs highlights the urgent need for continuous surveillance and the promotion of rational antibiotic use and alternative treatment strategies.
Keywords: Shigella, salmonella species, diarrheal diseases, public health