Frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat.
• Understanding local prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment and infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of MRSA in patients at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Pano Aqil.
• To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH, Pano Aqil, from December 2005 to January 2008.
• Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from clinical specimens.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with MIC determination for oxacillin and vancomycin via E-strips.

Main Results:

• Out of 237 total isolates (195 hospital-acquired, 42 community-acquired), 47 (19.8%) were identified as MRSA.
• MRSA rates did not significantly differ between hospital and community isolates (p=0.1555).
• No vancomycin resistance was observed in any Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Resistance was higher to penicillin and doxycycline compared to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol, with no significant difference between hospital and community isolates.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of MRSA is projected to increase, necessitating the adoption of preventive measures.
• Vancomycin remains an effective treatment option as no resistance was detected in this study population.