Abstract:
Introduction: Salmonella and Shigella infections are
waterborne associated infections globally known to
cause serious illnesses in all age groups, but can be
more devastating in children below five years.
Antimicrobial resistance has been known to worsen
the existing challenge in the management of
Salmonella and Shigella infections. The aim is to
isolate and identify Salmonella and Shigella among
children less than five years with diarrhea and to
determine resistance to commonly prescribed drugs
at the Lodwar County and Referral Hospital in
Northern Kenya. Methods: using a cross-sectional
study design, a descriptive experimental study was
conducted on 196 children with diarrhea using
rectal swabs. A structured questionnaire was used
to collect sociodemographic information. Samples
were then received in the microbiology laboratory,
and macroscopic and microscopic examinations
were done before culture on specific selective
media. Thereafter, biochemical confirmation of the
growths done then confirmed results tabulated
before analysis. Results: from the total samples
collected (196) Shigella dysenteriae cases were 4
(5%), while Shigella Flexneri were 7 (9%), Shigella
sonnei were 3 (4%), Shigella boydii were 4 (5%) and
Salmonella typhimurium were 2 (2.4%). From these,
about 70% of the isolated Salmonella and Shigella
demonstrated high antibiotic resistance to
Amoxilliclav and Ampicillin, both with high
minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values of
about 8ug/ml. While over 80% drug susceptibility
was noted in Amikacin (1ug/ml), Ciprofloxacin
(2ug/ml), Ceftriaxone (4ug/ml) and Ceftazidime
(4ug/ml). Conclusion: Salmonella and Shigella are
among the common contributors of diarrhea
among children less than five years. Drug resistance
among the commonly used antibiotics is a serious
indicator that possible misuse of antibiotics
especially the beta lactam penicillin's.