Abstract
Background/Aim:
Hafnia alvei has gained increased attention in clinical microbiology due to its potential as an opportunistic pathogen that leads severe cases of gastroenteritis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance pattern of Hafnia alvei isolated from urine specimen in a tertiary institution, Nigeria.
Methods:

A total of forty (40) urine specimens were collected from four (4) different hostels (NDDC, B,C and D Hostels) in Rivers State University and analysed using standard microbiological procedures to isolate H. alvei in 2024. The isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics using the ABIS online bacterial identification tool. Some virulence determinant assays were also carried out using standard methods. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) was also carried out on the isolates using the Kirby-Baeur Disc diffusion method.

Results:
A total of ten (10) strains of Hafnia alvei were isolated. NDDC Hostel had the highest prevalence of H. alvei (50%), followed by Hostel B and Hostel C (20%), and Hostel D (10%). The virulence assays revealed that 30% were positive for biofilm formation, 10% for haemolysis test, 90% protease activity and 80% capsule production). However, all the isolates were negative for motility which shows a no significant difference in the various hostel using the Chi-square test. Regarding AST, 70% of H. alvei were susceptible to Streptomycin followed by Ofloxacin at 50%. Significant resistance (100%) was exhibited towards Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime, Ceporex and Ceptazidime ). All the isolates had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index greater than 0.2.

Conclusions:
The findings of this study highlight the potential pathogenic role of H. alvei in clinical settings, particularly its ability to produce various virulence factors and its varying antibiotic resistance patterns. These results underscore the need for implementing enhanced surveillance programs, developing antibiotic stewardship programs which is crucial to address resistance and enhancing hygiene practices and infection control measures in hostels

Key words: Hafnia alvei, Prevalence, urine specimens, Antibiotic susceptibility and Virulence properties