Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
- 1.1 Background to the Study p. 1
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem p. 3
- 1.3 Objectives of the Study p. 4
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
- 2.1 Review of Related Literature p. 9
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework p. 12
CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design p. 18
- 3.2 Population and Sample p. 20
CHAPTER FOUR: Results and Discussion
- 4.1 Data Analysis p. 26
- 4.2 Discussion of Findings p. 30
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary and Conclusion
- 5.1 Summary p. 35
- 5.2 Conclusion p. 38
- 5.3 Recommendations p. 40
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Shigella spp. are enteric pathogens that pose serious health risks to children, causing bacillary
dysentery, especially in the immunocompromised. This study investigated the antimicrobial
susceptibility patterns of Shigella spp. isolated from pediatric stool samples collected at the
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UTAH), Abuja. Out of 30 stool samples analyzed, 10
(33.3%) were positive for Shigella spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed intermediate
susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin (12 mm) and Ofloxacin (13 mm), while
high resistance rates were observed for Ampicillin, Septrin, Nalidixic Acid, Gentamicin, and
Cephalexin. These findings align with similar studies from Nigeria and globally, indicating an
increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella spp. The results highlight the critical
need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and public health interventions to curb the spread of
resistant Shigella strains. Improved hygiene, access to clean water, and enhanced diagnostic and
surveillance systems are recommended to reduce the burden of Shigella-associated diarrhea.
Shigella spp. are enteric pathogens that pose serious health risks to children, causing bacillary
dysentery, especially in the immunocompromised. This study investigated the antimicrobial
susceptibility patterns of Shigella spp. isolated from pediatric stool samples collected at the
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UTAH), Abuja. Out of 30 stool samples analyzed, 10
(33.3%) were positive for Shigella spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed intermediate
susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin (12 mm) and Ofloxacin (13 mm), while
high resistance rates were observed for Ampicillin, Septrin, Nalidixic Acid, Gentamicin, and
Cephalexin. These findings align with similar studies from Nigeria and globally, indicating an
increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella spp. The results highlight the critical
need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and public health interventions to curb the spread of
resistant Shigella strains. Improved hygiene, access to clean water, and enhanced diagnostic and
surveillance systems are recommended to reduce the burden of Shigella-associated diarrhea.