Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Ear-Nasal-Throat (ENT) in Patients Attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Ear, nose, and throat infections represent a significant public health issue in developing countries including Nigeria, resulting in a considerable burden of illness and economic strain on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Studies on the molecular information of bacterial pathogens associated with Ear-Nasal-Throat (ENT) in Northwest particularly in Kano is limited. This study aimed to determine the Molecular detection and prevalence of bacterial pathogens associated with Ear-Nasal-Throat (ENT) in patient attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano (AKTH). A total of 384 samples from patients with ENT infections were collected at AKTH using sterilized swab sticks and cultured on Chocolate and MacConkey agar. Pathogens were identified through Gram staining, biochemical tests, and molecular methods. A questionnaire gathered demographic data on age and gender, and a chi-square test assessed the significance of associations between the variables. The overall prevalence of ENT in this study was 17.0%. The most common pathogen identified was Staphylococcus aureus (30.8%), followed by Providencia stuartii (23.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.0%), Escherichia coli (18.5%), Serratia marcescens (6.2%), and Haemophilus influenzae (1.5%). Females had a higher prevalence of ENT infections (19.0%) compared to males (14.4%), though not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.482, p = 0.223). The age group 21-30 had the highest prevalence at 27.3%, while those aged 31-50 had the lowest at 11.3%. A significant association was found between infections and age group (p < 0.05; χ2 = 10.244, p = 0.037).  The current study indicates that the prevalence of bacterial pathogens associated with ear, nasal, and throat infections is moderate in the study area. This finding shows that infections of the ears, nose, and throat are still common, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to eradicate these pathogens and improve public health.