Sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing typhoid fever prevalence and multidrug resistance in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background This study investigated the prevalence of typhoid fever and the factors contributing to multidrug resistance in Niger State, Nigeria, a region affected by limited sanitation and healthcare access. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed across communities in Niger State, Nigeria, where participants in different communities of the state aged 18 years and above were enrolled. Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi isolation from stool and determination and interpretation of multi-drug resistance were performed according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. We examined the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, and multidrug resistant (MDR) in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. Principal findings/conclusions Among the 624 participants, typhoid fever prevalence was recorded at 36.5%, with young adults (ages 18–27) and semi-urban residents demonstrating higher infection rates. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed 98% resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, whereas gentamicin and levofloxacin exhibited high efficacy. Our findings underscore the urgent need for health education, improved antibiotic regulation, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions to control typhoid fever and mitigate MDR challenges.