Abstract

The antibiotic susceptibility profile and the association of β-lactamase production to antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains were analysed. The disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility pattern was conducted on S. aureus strains cultured from clinical specimens using standard bacteriological methods. The β-lactamase production was assayed using the modified Perret’s iodometric assay and data were statistically analysed. Of the 107 S. aureus isolates identified, 77 (72%) of the isolates were multi-drug resistant and 75 (70.1%) produced β-lactamase.  β-lactamase production and resistance to  amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (augmentin) and ceftriaxone resistance was significant (p-value< 0.05). The study suggests strict infection control measures and encouragement of prudent antibiotic use.

Key words: Staphylococcus aureus, Antibiotics, Beta-lactamase, Resistance