Carrier Status of S almonella Species Infection among Students in a Tertiarry Institution

Abstract

Salmonellosis is a major challenge to public health due to its persistence and high rate of recurrence. This study investigated Salmonella infections and associated risk exposures among tertiary students. This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 undergraduate students. Their personal health information and feeding habits were collected using a questionnaire. Fecal specimens were collected and analyzed bacteriologically. The isolates were subjected to antibiotics susceptibility test. Of 100 students enrolled, 38% had Salmonella species. The prevalence rate was Salmonella typhi, 29%, Salmonella. paratyphi A, 6%, and Salmonella enteritidis, 3%. The females accounted for 27% and males 11% of the isolates. The age group of 20-24 years had the highest infection rate. The participants that were not previously diagnosed of Salmonella species infection had a higher carriage rate of 26% than those who were previously diagnosed of typhoid fever (12%), 48% of the students, do not regularly practice hand washing and 63% never had symptoms of typhoid fever. The students patronize food vendors and this accounted for 34% of the Salmonella isolates. Self-medication was associated with the prevalence of Salmonella species (P=0.000; 95% CI). The Salmonella isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime and Nitrofurantoin. The carrier rate of Salmonella typhi was high due to antibiotic abuse.