Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus Aureus and Methicillin-Resistant S. Aureus among Female University Employees in Ila-Orangun, Nigeria

Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), represents a significant public health concern due to escalating antimicrobial resistance and potential for community transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 127 workers at a tertiary institution. Participants comprised married women (n = 69) and single women (n = 58). Nasal swab specimens were collected using sterile techniques and processed using standard microbiological methods. S. aureus identification was performed through Gram staining, catalase testing, and coagulase testing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer method for disk diffusion. Colonization rates showed a non-significant trend toward difference by marital status, with married women demonstrating higher but non-statistically-significant prevalence (56.5%) compared to single women (39.7%, χ² = 3.58, p = 0.058). S. aureus was identified in 62 (48.8%) participants and 27 of 62 (43.5%) were methicillin-resistant, with comparable proportions between married (41.0%) and single women (47.8%). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed alarmingly high resistance rates to third-generation cephalosporins: cefuroxime (93.5%), cefotaxime (93.5%), and ceftazidime (90.3%). MRSA isolates showed high resistance rates to clindamycin (55.6%), sparfloxacin (37.0%), and gentamicin (29.6%). Conversely, relatively preserved susceptibility was observed for ceftriaxone (88.9%), ofloxacin (81.5%), and erythromycin (81.5%). This study reveals a high prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization among tertiary institution workers in a single cross-sectional survey, with high resistance rates to beta-lactam antibiotics. These findings highlight the need for targeted infection prevention and surveillance measures in non-healthcare occupational settings.