Exploring Treatment Options for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus through a Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health concern, demanding multifaceted treatment strategies due to its complex nature. This study aimed to bridge the gap in understanding MRSA's clinical presentation, management, and outcomes by employing a mixed-methods approach. Through an extensive literature review and a singlecenter retrospective patient record review, the study offered insights into MRSA management, from diagnosis to treatment. The analysis included 44 patients, who presented to an outpatient dermatology practice. Results found a broad age range, revealing that 68.2% were treated with both topical and oral medications. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed high resistance to Penicillin (84.1%) and high susceptibility to drugs like Linezolid (95.5%) and Moxifloxacin (97.7%). The literature review examined 22 relevant articles from the past decade. The study's findings emphasize the diversity of MRSA infections and the challenges in treatment, highlighting variations in antibiotic susceptibility and the urgent need for innovative approaches. It serves as a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge on MRSA and may inform future research and clinical practice.