Distribution and Antibiotic Resistance Trends of Staphylococcus aureus: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Staphylococcus aureus infection and its antibiotic resistance (ABR) situation are topical concerns. To formulate an effective response strategy tailored to our hospital and provide clinicians with a reliable basis for empirical antimicrobial use in the early phases of treatment.

Between 2014 and 2023, a total of 11,886 S. aureus isolates and 3,417 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates were enrolled. The distribution of these isolates over the 10-year period was analyzed, along with trends in ABR among all S. aureus isolates, those from respiratory tract specimens, those from pediatric patients, and MRSA isolates.

The detection number of S. aureus and MRSA strains showed an increasing trend over the 10-year period. However, while the proportion of S. aureus among Gram-positive strains (G+) remained stable, its proportion among all bacterial pathogens (BPS) decreased. S. aureus and MRSA strains were primarily isolated from respiratory tract specimens, wound pus, and blood specimens. The top three departments with the highest detection rates of S. aureus were Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, and Orthopedics, in order. Resistance rates to oxacillin and penicillin G were nearly universal, approaching 100%. In contrast, resistance to gentamicin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline showed different downward trends across the four study groups.

In conclusion, the prevalence of S. aureus infections within our hospital remains a significant concern. It is imperative to closely monitor the epidemiological distribution and ABR patterns of this pathogen to facilitate early intervention and guide appropriate therapeutic strategies.