A Study on the Prevalence and Susceptibility Pattern of MRSA in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Haroti Region

Background and Aims: Emerging antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats worldwide. It can result in increased morbidity and mortality rates along with increased treatment costs and hospitalization stays. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a global challenge. It is a major cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Its prevalence varies with country and within hospitals within a country. The current study estimates the prevalence of MRSA. Materials and Methods: A total of 162 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from various clinical specimens, and antibiotic susceptibility tests and identification by cefoxitin disc (30 μg) were performed as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Among 162 Staphylococcus aureus 92 isolates were found to be MRSA. The highest rate of resistance was detected for penicillin (100), followed by erythromycin (97%), clindamycin (57%), tetracycline (13%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) (55%), ciprofloxacin (23%), and gentamicin (2%). All of the isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin. Conclusions: Treatment of multi-drug resistant MRSA is still problematic because of the limited choice of antibiotic. This analysis will assist clinicians to choose an appropriate course of action for MRSA infections.