Implication of Proteus spp in the Pathology of Nosocomial Wound Infection in Northeastern Nigeria

Aims: To determine the infection rate and antibiogram of Proteus spp among hospitalised patients suffering from wound infection in Maiduguri.

Methodology: A total of 320 wound swab samples were collected from August 2016 to June 2017, and processed via microscopy, culture and further confirmed by biochemical tests. Kirby bauer disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Proteus spp isolated.

Results: Twenty eight (28) samples yielded Proteus spp, giving a prevalence rate of 8.75%. Male patients were more affected (60.71%) compared to females (39.29%). Difference in sex in relation to rate of infection was statistically not significant (X2 =3.963, p<.01). Patients within the age group of 21-30 years (28.57%) recorded the highest bacterial yield while those of 61-70 years and >70 years (3.57% respectively) recorded the least. Patients suffering from Wound Sepsis and Burns recorded the most significant infection rate (28.57% respectively). Proteus mirabilis (53.57%) was the most isolated Proteus specie while Proteus penneri (7.14%) was the least. Proteus spp isolates demonstrated a marked resistance against Augmentin (89.29%) and Nalidixic Acid (85.71%) but high sensitivity was observed towards Ciprofloxacin (85.71%) and Streptomycin (78.57%).

Conclusion: We establish that Proteus spp actually contribute to the pathology of wounds infection among hospitalised patients, and the Proteus specie most implicated in the aetiology of wound infection is Proteus mirabilis. Ciprofloxacin and Streptomycin are the drugs of choice for the treatment of patients with Proteus spp wound infection in the study area, and the use of Nalidixic acid and Augmentin is highly discouraged due to high resistance.