Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a public health concern due to its capacity to build biofilms and acquire drug resistance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the prevalence of MRSA in Saudi Arabia and look into its resistance to various antibiotics. A comprehensive systematic search for key scientific databases from 1990 to June 2024 was carried out using predetermined keywords. MRSA prevalence rates were examined in studies that met the inclusion criteria, with an emphasis on clinical and community settings. The MedCalc software was used to conduct statistical analysis. The meta-analysis includes 24 trials with 16,646 samples. The overall prevalence of MRSA was discovered to be 8.601% (fixed effects) and 17.027% (random effects), with confidence ranges of 8.179-9.037 and 12.503-22.091, respectively. The research showed substantial antibiotic resistance, notably to β-lactams, whereas vancomycin remained effective against most MRSA strains. The data show an alarming incidence of MRSA in hospital settings, as well as significant resistance to numerous antibiotic classes, emphasizing the importance of improved infection control strategies and sensible antibiotic usage. Geographic differences in resistance patterns point to regional factors impacting MRSA spread and resistance. This analysis highlights the significant prevalence of MRSA in Saudi clinical settings, as well as the complexities of its resistance profiles. Continued observation and study into the genetic mechanisms that contribute to resistance are critical for successful MRSA infection management and prevention.