Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Oral Bacteria and Demographics of Dental Outpatients in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Oral diseases and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in dental care pose significant public health concerns. This study investigated the antibiogram of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates from dental patients in Awka. It analyzed associated demographic factors for a possible link to the presence of the identified pathogens. Oral samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods and 16S rDNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Identified MDR isolates included Mammalicoccus sciuri, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus gallinarum, and Glutamicibacter creatinolyticus. Among these, E. gallinarum showed the highest resistance but was the least prevalent (8%), while M. sciuri was the most prevalent (46%). Demographic and lifestyle variables—age, sex, education, marital and employment status, oral hygiene practices, and confectionery consumption—significantly influenced clinic visits. Enterococcal species were sensitive to Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Azithromycin, but resistant to Cefuroxime, Augmentin, Cefixime, and Imipenem. Notably, E. gallinarum was resistant to Erythromycin and Azithromycin, unlike E. casseliflavus. M. sciuri was sensitive to Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Ofloxacin, but resistant to Cefixime, Imipenem, and Augmentin. G. creatinolyticus was generally sensitive to several antibiotics, including Cefuroxime and Levofloxacin, but resistant to Cefixime, Imipenem, and Augmentin. Although these bacteria share morphological and biochemical traits, molecular analysis revealed significant genetic differences. These MDR strains are believed to be transient oral pathogens resident across all age groups.