Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Salmonella Species Isolated from Suspected Cases of Typhoid Fever in General Hospital Minna, Nigeria

Typhoid fever remains a major public health concern in many developing countries due to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and the increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of *Salmonella* species isolated from suspected cases of typhoid fever attending General Hospital Minna, Nigeria. Clinical samples, primarily blood and stool specimens, were collected from patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of typhoid fever. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation and identification of *Salmonella* species, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The findings revealed varying levels of susceptibility and resistance among the isolated *Salmonella* strains to commonly prescribed antibiotics. High resistance rates were observed against older and frequently used antibiotics such as ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol, indicating the growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. Conversely, relatively higher susceptibility was recorded for ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin, suggesting their continued effectiveness in the treatment of typhoid fever. The emergence of resistant isolates highlights the indiscriminate use and misuse of antibiotics within the community. This study emphasizes the urgent need for continuous antimicrobial surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and strengthened infection prevention strategies to curb the spread of resistant *Salmonella* species. The results provide valuable baseline data for clinicians and public health authorities in selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions for typhoid fever management in Nigeria.