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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence: current susceptibility patterns in Trinidad
Fitzroy A Orrett1, Michael Land
1Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Eric Williams Medical Sciences, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. drfao4301@yahoo.com
BMC Infectious Diseases
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence increased significantly in a Trinidad hospital from 12.5% to 20.8% between 1999 and 2004. Enhanced infection control, including hand hygiene, is crucial to curb MRSA spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global nosocomial pathogen.
- Increasing reports link MRSA to community-acquired infections.
- This study assessed MRSA prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in Trinidad.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA in a regional hospital in Trinidad.
- To analyze the antimicrobial resistance profiles of MRSA and MSSA isolates.
- To track changes in MRSA prevalence over a six-year period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2430 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from clinical sources over six years (1999-2004).
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed according to NCCLS guidelines.
- Distinction between hospital-acquired (nosocomial) and community-acquired isolates.
Main Results:
- MRSA prevalence rose from 12.5% to 20.8% (p < 0.001).
- Surgical/burn wounds were the primary source for MRSA (60.1%) and MSSA (32.9%).
- High MRSA resistance rates observed for erythromycin (86.7%) and clindamycin (75.3%); MSSA resistance highest for ampicillin (70%).
Conclusions:
- MRSA prevalence significantly increased in the hospital setting.
- Infection control measures, particularly hand hygiene, are vital to reduce transmission.
- Surveillance and antibiotic policy updates are recommended to manage MRSA infections.