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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA):An Emerging Phenomenon among non-Hospitalized
J O Akerele1, O Obasuyi, N Onyeagwara
1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Background:
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was first detected in hospitals and one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections worldwide. There are reports that 50% of the infectious morbidity in intensive care units (ICUs) was due in part to MRSA. MRSA is also emerging in community. Community-associated MRSA is now the most common pathogen cultured from patients with skin and soft tissue infections in emergency departments.
Study Design:
This study was conducted in otorhino-laryngology department of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, South-South region of Nigeria during the period July to September 2012. It was designed to provide baseline data on the emerging MRSA phenomena in surgical site infections.
Results:
A total of one hundred and fifty nasal swabs were collected and processed using standard protocols. All the samples showed significant growth and ninety-six (64%) yielded Staphylococcus aureus. Forty-two percent of the S. aureus isolated were resistant to methicillin and all the isolates showed resistance to the various classes of antimicrobial agents tested with the least against the aminoglycosides.
Conclusions:
Our results provide baseline information to clinicians and healthcare workers on the implications of possible spread of multidrug resistant strains of the organisms.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in healthcare settings. This study found a high prevalence of MRSA in surgical site infections, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Science
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of nosocomial infections globally.
- MRSA accounts for substantial infectious morbidity in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Community-associated MRSA is increasingly prevalent, particularly in skin and soft tissue infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline data on the prevalence of MRSA in surgical site infections.
- To investigate the emerging MRSA phenomenon in an otorhino-laryngology department in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- Collection and processing of 150 nasal swabs using standard microbiological protocols.
- Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from collected samples.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated S. aureus strains.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 64% of the nasal swabs.
- 42% of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin.
- All MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, with the lowest resistance observed against aminoglycosides.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial baseline data on MRSA prevalence in surgical site infections.
- Findings underscore the implications of multidrug-resistant organism spread for clinicians and healthcare workers.
- Highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures against MRSA.
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