High risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients attending public hospitals in Sokoto, Nigeria

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known opportunistic pathogen associated with various healthcare infections. This study investigated the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in patients attending Specialist Hospital and Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria and determine risk factors that could be associated with infection. Cross-sectional study approach was used to collect 204 clinical samples from patients attending these hospitals. Samples were processed using culture, biochemical, and PCR. Results: The overall prevalence of P. aeruginosa was found to be 12.8%. Samples from wound and ear swab showed statistically significant higher prevalence of 7.8% (16/204) and 3.4% (7/204) respectively (χ 2 = 12.70, p = 0.013), while no isolate was detected in swab collected from eye and throat. Males had a higher prevalence (15.3%) compared to females (10.4%), though the difference was not statistically significant (χ 2 = 1.112, p value = 0.29). Notably, inpatients were at a significantly higher risk of infection P. aerugionsa (OR: 1.94 p =0.0109). In addition, females, rural residents, and patients on antibiotic therapy for less than one week were associated with a decreased risk of infection. Logistic regression analysis further underscored the association between inpatient status and increased infection risk, while short-term antibiotic use appeared to decrease the likelihood of P. aeruginosa infection. The study highlights the need for stringent infection control measures, particularly in wound care and among inpatients. These findings are essential for healthcare providers and policymakers in developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of P. aeruginosa infections in Nigerian hospitals.