Fairly Used Adult Male and Female Pants: Contributors of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Spread in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Authors: Felicitas Ngozi Afiukwa, Victoria Obumneme Amaechi-Nnaji, Ruth Eberechukwu Anoh, Lynda Odinachi Nweke, AUSTINE OKPAGA UME

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijmmtd.11542.1761892222

Keywords: Male pants, Female pants, MRSA, Antibiotic resistance

Abstract: Introduction: The importation and sale of second-hand clothing, commonly known as "Okrika," have become prevalent in Nigeria due to their affordability and accessibility. However, these garments often harbor a variety of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to skin infections and other health issues. Aim and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and antibiogram of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from fairly used male and female panties sold in International Market, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 samples (25 each from female panties and male panties) of fairly used panties from freshly loosened bales were analyzed. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated and characterized using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Methicillin resistant S. aureus was determined using Chromatic agar. Antibiogram of the MRSA were determined using disc diffusion methods. Result: The results showed that 36 out of the 50 samples haboured Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 36 S. aureus isolates, 26 (representing 72.2%) were positive for methicillin-resistance while only 10 (representing 27.8%) were negative. Of the 26 that were MRSA positive, 14 (53.85%) were obtained from female panties and 12 (46.15%) from male pants. The antibiogram of the MRSA positive isolates showed that there were most susceptible to imipenem and doxycycline, and least susceptible to tobramycin and ciprofloxacin. However, the isolates were 100% resistant to meropenem, cefepime, cefoxitin and vancomycin. Their resistance to tetracycline and amoxicllin ranged from 91.7% to 100%. Conclusion: The occurrence of multidrug resistant Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in fairly used clothes is of public health concern and suggests the need for proper disinfection and laundry prior to use.