Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Microorganisms from Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Rivers State Nigeria

Correctional centers have been reported to be associated with several conditions predisposing inmates to health challenges as a result of exposure to disease causing microbial population. This study therefore targeted the Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Microorganisms from Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Rivers State Nigeria. A total of 150 samples (100 from skin (upper arm) and 50 from wall surfaces) were collected using sterile swab sticks and immediately transported to Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Rivers State University for analyses, using standard microbiological techniques. Molecular characterization was done using Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to gene sequencing. The Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test. Well in agar method was used to assess the susceptibility of the isolates to honey and Aloe Vera extract. The study revealed that 100% of all the bacterial isolates were resistant to Meropenem, Vancomycin, cefuroxime, and Ceftazidine, while 90% of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, Cepftriaxone, Erythromycin, and Ciproflozaxine. Data showed the MAR index ranged from 0.3 to 0.8. Statistical analysis revealed there were no significant differences in the mean values of data obtained from the animate and inanimate surfaces (p > 0.05). Molecular identification confirmed the isolates to be Kocuria palustris, Serretia liquefaciens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus feacalis, Bacillus flexus, and Aspergillus niger. The results revealed that honey was more effective (100%) than Aloe Vera extract which inhibited only one of the Escherichia coli isolates. The study displayed the antimicrobial effect of honey against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates. While adequate personal hygiene, proper sanitation, and spaced room should be encouraged, honey can be used in correctional centers to control bacterial skin infections.