ANTIBIOTICS ACTIVITIES AGAINST BACTERIAL ISOLATES IN SPUTUM SPECIMENS OBTAINED FROM SELECTED PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

*Ohieku, J.D. and **Nnolim, M.I.

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration,

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

E-mail: joni.dav@hotmail.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Many respiratory diseases and infections are often associated with sputum production. The knowledge of the role of pathogenic bacteria in sputum specimens and their susceptibility trends are essential in designing a comprehensive treatment plan for the desired clinical outcomes to be achieved.  Most patients with these conditions often initiate self medication with antibiotic therapy at sub-optimal levels prior to seeking medical interventions, a practice that has encouraged bacteria resistance. A retrospective study to assess pathogenic bacteria in clinical sputum specimens of patients with chronic cough, respiratory diseases and infections attending clinics at the university of Maiduguri Teaching hospital was conducted. A total of 326 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from patients between March 2006 and November 2007. Alpha-haemolytic streptococci the predominant organisms accounted for 59% followed by Klebsiella spp (26%). Proteus spp was the least isolated agent being (2%).  Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli each accounted for 3% but α-haemolytic Staphylococcus amounted to about 5% of total bacterial isolates while about 2.5% cases were recorded with Staphylococcus aureus. Their susceptibility results vary with the tested antibacterial agents but α-haemolytic streptococci and proteus spp indicated total resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and nalidixic acid. Partial resistance of α-haemolytic streptococci, Pseudomonas spp and Escherichia coli were recorded against all antibacterial agents. Low resistance trends to the fluoroquinolones were observed with most organisms except α-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp which showed high resistance to norfloxacin. Our study indicated that resistance is widespread but the fluoroquinolones appeared to show higher activities against most pathogenic bacteria isolates in sputum specimens.

Keywords: Antibacterial agents, Multi-drugs resistant, pathogens, Sensitivity and resistance, Sputum Specimens,