A Study on the Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus From the Nasal Samples of West African Dwarf Goats to Cefoxitin and Trimethoprim

Goats are important in the livestock economy as they are good sources of protein and income for the rural poor. However, their nasal cavities could serve as reservoirs for Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic pathogen in human and animal infections. This study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility of S.aureus from the nasal samples of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in Osogbo, Nigeria to trimethoprim and cefoxitin. Isolates were identified using standard microbiological procedures (Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, DNase and oxidase tests) and the disk diffusion technique was used to perform the antibiotic susceptibility testing. A total of 37 staphylococcal isolates were obtained out of which 14 were identified as S.aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 36% (5/14) of the isolates were resistant to both trimethoprim and cefoxitin. The presence of S.aureus in the nasal cavity of goats is a potential risk factor for the occurrence of staphylococcal infections in the goat thereby causing economic loss. Furthermore, the occurrence of cefoxitin (methicillin) resistant S. aureus in goats is of concern as they could be transmitted to goat handlers and sellers.

Keywords: Susceptibility, Staphylococcus aureus, Nasal Samples, West African Dwarf Goats