ANTIBIOTICS SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL CORD IN YARIMAN BAKURA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE.

The umbilical cord is a potential entry point for pathogens, particularly in the early hours after birth, and may contribute to neonatal infections if not properly managed. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacteria associated with neonatal umbilical cords. A total of thirty (30) umbilical cord swab samples were collected from neonates less than 24 hours old and examined using standard microbiological techniques. Of the 30 samples, 26.7% showed positive bacterial growth. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (20.0%) and Escherichia coli (6.7%), both of which are commonly implicated in neonatal infections. The isolates were subjected to biochemical characterization for proper identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The susceptibility profiles revealed varied patterns of resistance and sensitivity to the antibiotics tested, with some isolates showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. These findings suggest the presence of potentially pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria in the umbilical cord of neonates, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene practices during and after delivery. Early screening and targeted antibiotic use based on susceptibility patterns are recommended to prevent the development of neonatal sepsis and to promote effective antimicrobial stewardship.