Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Nasal Colonizing Vancomycin-Resistant and Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Among Admitted Patients: A Hospital
Biniyam Kijineh Mengistu1,2, Tsegaye Alemayehu2, Techilo Habtemariam Mengesha3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science Wachamo University Hosana Ethiopia.
Background And Aim:
Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the nasal cavity poses a potential risk for infections. Vancomycin is a primary treatment for invasive infections caused by penicillin and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). However, reports of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) have emerged, highlighting it as a high-priority pathogen requiring attention. There is limited information on the epidemiology of VRSA and vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) from the Sidama regional state. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VRSA and VISA among S. aureus colonizing patients admitted to Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), as well as to identify associated factors and assess the antimicrobial susceptibility profile.
Methods:
A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nasal swabs were obtained from 378 admitted patients, and S. aureus was identified using standard bacteriological methods. VRSA was determined using the Epsilometer test (E-test), while the antimicrobial susceptibility profile was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Out of 92 isolated S. aureus strains, 12 (13.04%) were classified as VRSA, 27 (29.3%) as VISA, and 15 (16.3%) as MRSA. The carriage rates among admitted patients were 12 (3.2%) for VRSA (95% CI: 1.7-5.5%) and 27 (7.14%) for VISA (95% CI: 4.8-10.2%). The overall nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was 92 (24.3%) (95% CI: 20.1-29%), with MRSA found in 15 (3.97%) (95% CI: 2.2-6.5%). Among the VRSA isolates, 11 (91.7%) showed susceptibility to tigecycline. Additionally, 40 (43.5%) of the S. aureus strains were positive for inducible clindamycin resistance. Patients with a history of hospitalization in the intensive care unit were 37 times more likely to be colonized with VRSA (p = 0.001), while those with domestic animals were 22 times more likely (p = 0.021).
Conclusions:
This study revealed a significant proportion of VRSA and VISA among S. aureus isolates from hospitalized patients in the region. More than 80% of VRSA isolates were susceptible to tigecycline. A history of hospitalization in the intensive care unit and ownership of domestic animals were associated with an increased likelihood of VRSA colonization.
Insights
This study found high rates of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) in hospitalized patients. ICU stays and owning domestic animals increased VRSA colonization risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nasal colonization by *Staphylococcus aureus* presents infection risks.
- Vancomycin is crucial for treating infections from resistant strains like MRSA.
- Emerging vancomycin-resistant *S. aureus* (VRSA) necessitates epidemiological surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine VRSA and VISA prevalence in hospitalized patients in Sidama regional state.
- Identify factors associated with VRSA/VISA colonization.
- Assess antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of *S. aureus* isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study of 378 admitted patients (April-June 2023).
- Nasal swabs analyzed for *S. aureus* identification and susceptibility testing (E-test, Kirby-Bauer).
- Data analyzed using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Main Results:
- 13.04% VRSA, 29.3% VISA, and 16.3% MRSA identified among 92 *S. aureus* isolates.
- VRSA carriage rate: 3.2%; VISA carriage rate: 7.14%.
- 91.7% of VRSA isolates were susceptible to tigecycline; 43.5% of strains showed inducible clindamycin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Significant VRSA and VISA proportions found in hospitalized patients.
- Previous ICU hospitalization and domestic animal ownership are risk factors for VRSA colonization.
- Tigecycline demonstrates high susceptibility among VRSA isolates.
