Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella typhi Isolated from Typhoid Patients Attending the Federal Medical Center, Gusau, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 83 blood samples from patients suspected of typhoid fever were collected and examined for S. typhi infection by Widal and Blood culture methods and then antibiotics susceptibility testing was conducted on the S. typhi isolates. Thirty-five (42.2%) had S. typhi '0' and' H' antibody titre of 1:160 and I:80 respectively, 15 (18.1%) had S typhi '0' and 'H' antibody titre of 1:160 and 1:40 respectively while 13 (15.7%) had 1:20 antibody titre in both '0' and' H' S. typhi antigens. The reciprocal titre of 1:320 and 1:80 for '0' and 'H' antigens was shown in 15(18.3%) samples. Twenty-nine (34.9%) were blood culture positive. Ampiclox, ciprofloxin, chloramphenicol and erythromycin were the most sensitive, with susceptibility pattern of 14 (46.7%),14 (46.7%),10 (34.5%) and 7 (23.3%) respectively. The incidence of typhoid fever will greatly reduce if isolation of S. typhi from clinical specimen like blood is encouraged and the typhoid treatment based on susceptibility testing.