Prevalence and Phenotypic Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Breast Cancer at Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2651.048Keywords:
Chemotherapy, Malignancy, Dysbiosis, Immunosuppression, SusceptibilityAbstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Nigeria, with patients frequently experiencing immunosuppression due to the disease and its treatments. This condition often leads to bacterial infections and dysbiosis, particularly in ulcerated or necrotic lesions, thereby complicating healing and clinical outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of aerobic bacteria in breast cancer patients at Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 272 breast swab samples were collected from patients with ulcerated or discharging lesions. Microbiological analysis revealed that 43.4% (118) of the samples had positive bacterial growth, while 56.6% showed no growth. Among the isolates, Gram-negative bacteria were more prevalent (59.3%) than Gram-positive species (40.6%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified species (30.5%), followed by Escherichia coli (26.3%), Proteus spp. (19.5%), and Klebsiella spp. (13.5%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method indicated significant multidrug resistance (MDR). Gram-positive isolates were resistant to rifampicin andStreptomycin, while Gram-negative isolates showed extensive resistance to older agents and several cephalosporins. However, both groups remained sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. The findings highlight a predominant colonization of opportunistic pathogens in breast cancer lesions, which may impede wound healing. The study underscores the need for regular microbiological assessments, evidence-based antibiotic administration, and improved wound care protocols to manage infections and combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in oncology settings.
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