Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Enteric Fever Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from patients with suspected enteric fever in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria, and compared the findings with global trends. Blood samples from 175 symptomatic patients were analyzed, revealing Staphylococcus species in 47.4% and Salmonella Typhi in 5.7% of isolates. All S. Typhi isolates were 100% susceptible to cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and aminoglycosides, while reduced susceptibility to penicillins and cotrimoxazole was noted. MIC and MBC data highlighted chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as effective treatment options. The results confirm the efficacy of key antibiotics for enteric fever management in Kaduna, mirroring patterns in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. However, diminished susceptibility to some drugs underscores the need for antimicrobial stewardship to curb resistance and inform local treatment guidelines.