The Characterization, Antibiotic Sceptibility And Plasmid Profiles Of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci In Lagos

ABSTRACT

A total of 745 gram-positive, catalase-positive clustering cocci were obtained from various clinical specimens which included wound, blood, urine, catheter tips, high vaginal and endocervical swabs, urethral swabs, seminal fluids, bone secretions, eye and ear swabs. These isolates were obtained over an 18-month period from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, and General Hospital, Ikeja. Swab samples were also obtained from skin, hands, axilla and nose of an apparently normal population and compared with isolates from clinical specimens. Isolation, and identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were carried out using conventional methods. Characterisation to species level was done using both conventional method and the API rapid Commercial kit (ID 32 STAPH). The strains were tested for slime and beta-lactamase production. Other extracellular products tested for included DNase, lipase, protease, and gelatinase activities. Susceptibility to a range of antibiotics was tested and minimum inhibitory concentrations of some of these antibiotics were determined. Some of these coagulase-negative staphylococci were screened for the presence of plasmids.