e s u f o ) % ( y c n e u q e r F 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Onanuga A and Temedie TC. Fig. Distribution of frequently-used antimicrobial agents by study subjects oxalozoralempheniDcoolxycyclinGeentamicinLincomyMcientronidaSztoreleptom Ampicillin Ciproﬂoxacin ycin Ampiclox Tetracycline Co-trim ChCommonly-used anti-infective agents marked difference observed in the multidrug resist- ance pattern between the isolates from females and those of males in the two groups was not signifi- cant (p=0.08) (Table 6). (12). The increasing prevalence of MRSA infections in communities and hospitals is a global health concern, which necessitates measures to reduce or eradicate the colonization of this strain from Table 3. Patterns of antibiotic use by study subjects Pattern Students (n=60) Villagers (n=60) No. % No. % Stop drugs when symptoms disappear 17 28.3 24 40.0 Stop when tired of drug 8 13.3 11 18.3 Take some and leave the rest 10 16.7 8 13.3 Take all drugs even when symptoms disappear 25 41.7 10 16.7 Do not complete dose due to financial constraint 0 0.0 7 11.7 The p value for the judicious use of prescribed antibiotics in both the groups=0.003 DISCUSSION S. aureus remains a versatile and potent pathogen in humans. It is one of the most common causes of nosocomial and community-acquired infections common sites, such as nares. However, the neglect of the gut, an important reservoir of non-patho- genic antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains, can be a source of re-colonization and a potential source of nosocomial infections (7,13). Table 4. Distribution of intestinal S. aureus isolates among study subjects by gender Sex No. of No. of S. aureus isolates (%) samples Students Villagers Total Female 60 12 10 22 (36.6) Male 60 8 8 16 (26.7) Total 120 20 (33.3) 18 (30.0) 38 (31.7) Volume 29 | Number 5 | October 2011 p value 0.239 449