WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Anoh Ruth Eberechukwu, Afiukwa Felicita Ngozi, Ogamde Sunday, Ikeria Oluchi Cynthia, Ebe Barth Nathaniel and Nwigwe Jesse Onyemaechi

ABSTRACT

A strong preference for imported clothes encourages the importation of second-hand clothing, often without consideration of potential health risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antibiogram of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from second-hand towels sold in the International Market, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. A total of 25 samples of towels were analyzed. Standard microbiological and biochemical methods were used to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus, while MRSA was detected using Chromatic agar. Antibiotic susceptibility and resistance were determined via the disc diffusion method. The study found that 23 of the 25 samples contained S. aureus, with 15 (65%) being positive for methicillin-resistant and 8 (35%) not resistant. The susceptibility testing revealed that all MRSA isolates were highly susceptible to imipenem and doxycycline, but showed the least susceptibility to tobramycin and ciprofloxacin. Resistance was complete (100%) to meropenem, cefepime, cefoxitin, vancomycin, tetracycline and amoxicillin. The detection of MRSA and other bacteria in second-hand clothing highlights a public health risk, emphasizing the importance of proper disinfection and laundering before use.