Investigation and mapping of the prevalence of “superbugs” Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in Enugu metropolis in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Global public health is threatened by increasing incidence of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), usually referred to as “superbug, is a prominent AMR that is generating concerns across the world. They are resistant to commonly used antibiotics, thereby making treatment of common infections very difficult; resulting in prolonged illness and hospitalisation, disability and in some cases, death. Despite the concerns and threats posed by MRSA, studies of its prevalence in communities across Nigeria are scanty. Here, we investigated the prevalence of MRSA in the South East Nigeria using isolates obtained from two major hospitals in Enugu metropolis and a medical laboratory. The isolates were clinically identified from different specimens and pure isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility profiling using conventional antibiotics. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were used to analyse the anonymised three year MRSA records. This provided relevant insights on the spatial spread of MRSA in the city. This research serves as a first step towards modelling its spatial epidemiology in the region. Results indicated that cases of MRSA were widespread in the city. Majority of MRSA were resistant to the antibiotics indicating that they are multidrug-resistant (MDR). Spatiotemporal analyses conducted showed that incidence of MRSA was increasing by the year.