Carriage of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) among humans and animals in Nigeria: coexistence of the cfr, optrA, and poxtA genes in Enterococcus faecium of animal origin.

Objectives: In contrast to increasing reports of the emergence of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) emanating from many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, data on its status and dissemination from the African continent remain scarce, with the information available limited to countries in North Africa. This study investigated the carriage of LRE and the genetic mechanism of resistance among Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains recovered from humans and animals in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between June 2020 and July 2021 during which 630 non-duplicate human and animal faecal samples were collected and processed for the recovery of LRE.

Phenotypic detection, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence profile of staphylococci in the pig production setting, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Livestock, particularly pigs, have increasingly been recognized as important reservoirs for zoonotic transmission of pathogenic bacteria, including staphylococci. Livestock production systems in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are characterized by high misuse/abuse of antimicrobials and a close association between humans and these animals, which promotes the emergence and transmission of resistant and potentially virulent bacteria. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence and characteristics (species distribution, virulence and resistance profile) of staphylococci from smallholder backyard pig farms, slaughter slabs and pig handlers in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Veterinary clinic surfaces as reservoirs of multi-drug- and biocide-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the common Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) contaminating veterinary clinic environments, and to evaluate the susceptibility of the isolates to commonly used antibiotics and biocides. A total of 62 swab samples were collected from different frequently touched surfaces in the 4 veterinary clinics visited. The samples were processed for isolation and identification of GNB using standard microbiological procedures.

infection in clinically healthy dogs in Makurdi, Benue State, North-central Nigeria: A potential source of infection to humans.

Objective: The present study was initiated to ascertain the level of shedding of salmonellae by dogs in Makurdi area and to highlight the risk of infection for dog-owners.

Materials And Methods: Rectal swabs from 200 dogs from different locations in the study area were examined in the study. The samples were cultured for salmonellae using Rappaport-Vassiliadis enrichment broth (Oxoid) and brilliant green agar (Oxoid).

Studies into the prevalence of Mycoplasma species in small ruminants in Benue State, North-central Nigeria.

The indicative prevalence of respiratory Mycoplasma species in small ruminants (SR) was determined in North-central Nigeria. Nasal swabs from 172 sheep and 336 goats from the Northeast, Northwest and South Senatorial Districts of Benue State were examined. Initial Mycoplasma isolation used Mycoplasma culture techniques followed by digitonin sensitivity testing.