Nasal Colonization of Staphylococcus Aureus Among Volunteered Students: A Prevalence Study

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) nasal carriage may spread and cause future illnesses. The present study examined Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in medical laboratory students at the Federal School of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Technology Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, who had completed their posting. One hundred nasal swabs were taken from randomly selected school kids. Swabs were plated on Mannitol salt agar (MSA) and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. After incubation, S. aureus isolates were recognized by their yellowish MSA colony, Gramme response, catalase, and coagulase test. This study found 37.0% nasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus. It was higher among students aged 26 and older (55.6%), followed by 18 and under (40.0%) and 19-25 (34.9%). However, age-pattern incidence variation was not significant (p > 0.05). The sex-related incidence rate was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in female students (52.0%) compared to male students (22.0%). In conclusion, the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in our study, especially in women, is concerning. Thus, public awareness campaigns, health education, and cleanliness and sanitation should be prioritized in the study area.