Antimicrobial Resistance in Pediatric Sepsis at a Tertiary Facility in North-Central Nigeria | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 November 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.338037.2366 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Folake Moriliat Afolayan* 1; Mohammed Baba Abdulkadir1; Adedeji Nurudeen Lawal2; Bashirat Ayobola Olanipekun2; Solomon Olubodunrin Ariyibi1; Ibrahim Ameen-Ikoyi1; Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu1 | ||
| 1Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria | ||
| 2Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin Nigeria | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background and Objective: The global emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) has severely compromised the effective treatment of sepsis, with limited pediatric data from Nigeria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production in pediatric sepsis cases. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Nigeria including children aged 0-14 years. Blood samples were processed using the BacT/Alert machine, and bacterial isolates were identified through colonial morphology, Gram stain microscopy, and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer method. MRSA was detected with cefoxitin, and ESBL producers were detected using the double-disc synergy test. Results: Of 179 blood samples, 50.8% (91/179) were positive, with 70.3% (64/91) being Gram-positive organisms. MRSA prevalence was 62.2% (33/53), and 57.1% (8/14) of Enterobacteriaceae isolates were ESBL producers. MRSA prevalence was 66.6% in neonates (20/30) and 56.5% in post-neonates (13/23) (p = 0.285). ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were more common in post-neonates (100%, 5/5) than in neonates (33.3%, 3/9) (p = 0.015). None of the Escherichia coli isolates were ESBL producers. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of MRSA and ESBL-producing organisms in pediatric sepsis. Implementing hospital-based infection control measures, tailoring antibiotic policies to local resistance patterns, and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs are critical. Regional data sharing and collaboration are essential to improve outcomes. Strengthening surveillance and addressing resistance in healthcare policies will enhance pediatric sepsis management and improve outcomes. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Multiple drug resistance; sepsis; children; Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) | ||
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