Prevalence Of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Research Articles

Prevalence and associated risk factors of staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from patients seeking treatment in Nakuru county referral and teaching hospital, Kenya

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that can evolve rapidly to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a global health concern that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was to determine the prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of staphylococcus aureus and MRSA isolates obtained from patients seeking treatment in Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-section study design was used with a laboratory experimental component and it was carried out in Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital, Kenya. A total of 354 laboratory samples were randomly collected from different laboratory samples/sites: blood, urine, wound, nasal swabs, pus, tissue, abscess, sputum, ear swabs, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, skin swabs and synovial fluid culture over a period of six months. These samples were tested for presence of staphylococcus aureus and MRSA isolates using Culture methods and Antibiotic Sensitivity Tests. The study analyzed 354 participants, with a median age of 35 years. Most participants (56.7%) were from medical wards, 20.4% from outpatient clinics, and 11% from Diabetic Care Centre. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 7.1% of samples, with MRSA present in 2.3%. Other isolated organisms included Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (7.1%), E. coli (6.8%), Proteus spp. (5.1%), and Pseudomonas spp. (5.9%). The prevalence of MRSA among the participants is low.

The prevalence and risk factors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among pediatric populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Future research should build on these findings by emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat MRSA in pediatric settings and implementing targeted interventions. • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered a threat to public health. It is noteworthy to mention that the prevalence of MRSA strains has not been adequately quantified in many countries, especially in the pediatric population. The pediatric population is a pivotal source of MRSA and may play a central role in its distribution in both community and healthcare settings. A notable study underscores the gravity of the situation, estimating a tenfold increase in the incidence of MRSA infection among children in the USA between 1999 and 2008. • Here we present the first global systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MRSA among the pediatric population. A total of 124 studies encompassing 44 million participants were included in this analysis. The overall pooled estimated global prevalence of MRSA colonization in the pediatric population was 5% [95% CI 4-5%]. The prevalence was the highest in Asia and lowest in Europe. Female sex, recent surgery, recent hospitalization, and antibiotic use were significantly associated with higher odds of MRSA colonization.

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a public health concern due to its capacity to build biofilms and acquire drug resistance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the prevalence of MRSA in Saudi Arabia and look into its resistance to various antibiotics. A comprehensive systematic search for key scientific databases from 1990 to June 2024 was carried out using predetermined keywords. MRSA prevalence rates were examined in studies that met the inclusion criteria, with an emphasis on clinical and community settings. The MedCalc software was used to conduct statistical analysis. The meta-analysis includes 24 trials with 16,646 samples. The overall prevalence of MRSA was discovered to be 8.601% (fixed effects) and 17.027% (random effects), with confidence ranges of 8.179-9.037 and 12.503-22.091, respectively. The research showed substantial antibiotic resistance, notably to β-lactams, whereas vancomycin remained effective against most MRSA strains. The data show an alarming incidence of MRSA in hospital settings, as well as significant resistance to numerous antibiotic classes, emphasizing the importance of improved infection control strategies and sensible antibiotic usage. Geographic differences in resistance patterns point to regional factors impacting MRSA spread and resistance. This analysis highlights the significant prevalence of MRSA in Saudi clinical settings, as well as the complexities of its resistance profiles. Continued observation and study into the genetic mechanisms that contribute to resistance are critical for successful MRSA infection management and prevention.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Different Food Groups and Drinking Water.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been included by the World Health Organization in its list of "priority pathogens" because of its widespread prevalence and the severity of the infections it causes. The role of food in infections caused by MRSA is unknown, although strains of this microorganism have been detected in various items for human consumption. In order to gain an overview of any possible role of food in MRSA infections, a review was undertaken of studies published between January 2001 and February 2024 relating to MRSA. These comprised research that focused on fish and shellfish, eggs and egg products, foods of vegetable origin, other foodstuffs (e.g., honey or edible insects), and drinking water. In most of these investigations, no prior enrichment was carried out when isolating strains. Three principal methods were used to confirm the presence of MRSA, namely amplification of the mecA gene by PCR, amplification of the mecA and the mecC genes by PCR, and disc diffusion techniques testing susceptibility to cefoxitin (30 μg) and oxacillin (1 μg). The great diversity of methods used for the determination of MRSA in foods and water makes comparison between these research works difficult. The prevalence of MRSA varied according to the food type considered, ranging between 0.0% and 100% (average 11.7 ± 20.3%) for fish and shellfish samples, between 0.0% and 11.0% (average 1.2 ± 3.5%) for egg and egg products, between 0.0% and 20.8% (average 2.5 ± 6.8%) for foods of vegetable origin, between 0.6% and 29.5% (average 28.2 ± 30.3%) for other foodstuffs, and between 0.0% and 36.7% (average 17.0 ± 14.0%) for drinking water.

Tracking Vancomycin MIC Creep: A Five Year Analysis

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a known human pathogen capable of causing community and hospital acquired infections worldwide. Treatment options available for MRSA infections are limited, with vancomycin being one of the most common drugs used. It is described in the literature that vancomycin can be ineffective against MRSA isolates with MIC values between 1-2 mg/litre. This slow and steady shift of vancomycin MIC values towards higher side over a period of time is known as “MIC creep”. The present retrospective study was carried out over five year period from January 2019 to June 2023. Staphylococcus aureus isolates from all clinical samples isolated during study period were included in the study. MIC50, MIC90, geometric mean MIC values were determined and analysed using Microsoft Excel. In the present study, the prevalence of MRSA was high (79.6%) in pus and tissue samples followed by blood sample (9.7%). Most of the MRSA isolates (55.80%) in present study exhibited vancomycin MIC of 1 µg/ml, there is no increasing trend of MIC values over a five year period. MIC creep is a slow and steady process which is multifactorial in origin. Regular monitoring of vancomycin MIC trend is advisable as vancomycin is the first-line treatment for culture proven severe infection with MRSA.

Characterization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in municipal wastewater in Finland

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) of multidrug-resistant bacteria could complement clinical data, serving as a population-level early warning tool. This study evaluated WBS as a pandemic preparedness tool, by selectively isolating and culturing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with CHROMagar MRSA. Some 24-h composite wastewater samples (n = 80) were collected from ten treatment plants across Finland between February 2021 and January 2022. MRSA prevalence in wastewater samples was 27.5% (n = 22/80), showing seasonal and temporal variations. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) with microdilution showed that over 80% of isolates were drug-resistant to clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tetracycline, fusidic acid, and erythromycin. Four isolates (18.2%) were vancomycin-resistant. WGS revealed that 31.8% (n = 7) of the isolates belonged to the ST8-t008 and ST6-t304 spa types, respectively. In addition, two spa types (t011 and t034) belong to the CC398 complex. The mecA gene was found in all isolates (n = 22) and three tetracycline resistance determinants (tet38, tetK, and tetM) were detected with tet38 being the most abundant (81.8%, n = 18/22). Three isolates harboured the plasmid-mediated sat4 gene that confers resistance to Streptothricin. In addition, resistance determinants to macrolide antibiotics (mph (C)/msr (A) and fosfomycin (fosB) were detected in the seven isolates that belonged to spa type t008. All isolates except one harboured the SCCmec_type_IVa(2B). Six ST8 isolates harboured the LukS/F-PV genes encoding the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and were also positive for the Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element (ACME), suggesting they belong to the USA300 clone. The Inc18 plasmid was the most abundant as it was detected in 72.7% (n = 16/22) of the isolates. Other plasmid replicons detected were the rep_trans and repA_N which were detected in 45.4% (n = 10/22) and 40.9% (n = 9/22) of the isolates respectively. Ten isolates harboured at least three plasmid replicons and no plasmid replicons were detected in four isolates (ST6/t304). The cgMLST revealed that some isolates aggregated into two genomically indistinguishable clusters: ST6/t304 belonging to cluster type CT12405 (≤20 allelic differences) and ST8/t008 belonging to cluster type CT1925 (<8 allelic differences). Overall, we found a high genotypic concordance with the national clinical bacterial resistance data. Our study demonstrates the sensitivity of culture-based wastewater surveillance for MRSA using clinical media following pre-enrichment, reliably predicting pathogen occurrence at the population level.

A Comparison of Sequelae After a Practice Change From Vancomycin to Ampicillin Containing Antibiotic Regimens for Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

The aim of this study was to compare sequelae and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence among patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after changing institutional guidelines replacing vancomycin with ampicillin for gram-positive coverage. This was a retrospective, single-center cohort analysis of patients from 2016-2020 (n = 73) with NEC at a surgical neonatal intensive care unit with a high community prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to assess associations. Twenty-five (34%) patients had at least 1 sequela related to NEC. Ampicillin containing regimens were not associated with any sequelae type or AKI. Postmenstrual age < 29 weeks at diagnosis ([OR] 5.8 [1.2-28.8], P = .03; and receipt of vasopressors [OR] 3.3 [1.1-10.2], P = .04) were independently associated with sequalae. Stage III NEC was independently associated with AKI, OR 10.6 (2-55.6), P = .005. In conclusion, ampicillin-containing regimens are effective for NEC management at our institution despite a high prevalence of MRSA.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in food-producing animals and food products in Saudi Arabia: A review.

In Saudi Arabia, the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in food and livestock represents a major public health hazard. The emergence of livestock-associated MRSA has heightened the risk of human infection with comparable virulence traits. The lack of information about MRSA transmission in our region hinders accurate risk assessment, despite its detection in food animals and retail foods. Adopting a One Health approach is essential for effectively combating MRSA in Saudi Arabia. This method unites actions in the human, animal, and environmental spheres. To combat MRSA contamination, surveillance measures need strengthening; interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and environmental scientists is crucial, and targeted interventions must be implemented in local food chains and animal populations. Through a holistic strategy, public health and sustainable food production in the region are protected. This review aims to improve public health interventions by increasing understanding of MRSA prevalence and related risks in local food chains and animal populations.

Panton-Valentine leucocidin gene in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) expresses the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) virulence gene, which is associated with community and hospital-acquired severe MRSA infections. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profile with a focus on the presence of the PVL gene among MRSA isolates in healthcare settings. A total of 1,207 clinical specimens and 304 hospital environment swabs were collected in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal, and investigated following basic microbiological techniques. S. aureus was confirmed with the coagulase test. An antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was performed by the Kirby-Bauer method and screening for MRSA was carried out by the cefoxitin disc diffusion method guided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), 2020. DNA was extracted and used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect mecA and PVL genes. Of the 1,511 samples, 45 (2.9%) S. aureus (23 clinical and 22 environmental) were isolated. Among them, 69.6% (16/23) and 27.3% (6/22) were MRSA in clinical and environmental isolates, respectively. Twelve (52.2%) clinical isolates and seven (31.8%) environmental isolates were multidrug resistant. The majority of isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. The PVL gene was detected in 18.2% (n = 4/22) of the MRSA isolates, of which three were from clinical sources and one was from an environmental swab. The prevalence of MRSA, and PVL-producing S. aureus were higher in the hospital setting. Hence, immediate and urgent implementation of infection control and sanitation measures are needed in the hospital.

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Tertiary Care Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

Introduction: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection among intensive care unit (ICU) patients and lack of much information in Nepal. So, the aim of this study was to determine prevalence and bacteriological profile of VAP with special reference to multi-drug resistant (MDR), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), Metallo-β-Lactamase(MBL), Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase(ESBL)-producing bacterial strains. Methods: A total 150 tracheal specimens were studied during June 2011 to May 2012 at Department of Microbiology, TUTH as described by American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Combination disk method was done for the detection of ESBL and MBL producing isolates. Results: Prevalence of VAP was found to be 34%. Acinetobactereal coaccticusbaumannii complex (44%) was the commonest isolate, followed by Klebsiellapneumoniae (22%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12%). Among MDR Gram negative bacteria (GNB), 39% were MBL and 33% were ESBL-producers. All GNB (61) were sensitive to Polymyxin B and Colistinsulphate, whereas, 48% were found resistant to Carbapenems. Prevalence of MRSA was 75%, which were all sensitive to Vancomycin. Conclusion: High prevalence of VAP, MDR along with MRSA or ESBL or MBL producing strains was found in the study. Thus, suitable control measures must be adopted to cope up this alarming situation with genetic characterization.

Comparison of the effectiveness of core genome multilocus sequence typing and polymerase chain reaction-based open reading frame typing in tracing nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus transmission

IntroductionA clonal shift from staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type II/ST5 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to SCCmec type IV/clonal complex (CC)1 MRSA has occurred rapidly in Japan. Our previous research in a geriatric hospital found SCCmec type IV/CC1 MRSA prevalence in long-term care wards. Due to intensive personal care requirements, frequent contact with healthcare providers can potentially cause unintentional nosocomial MRSA transmission. We performed polymerase chain reaction-based open reading frame typing (POT) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) to investigate the occurrence of nosocomial transmission and to compare the results of these methods. MethodsPOT and whole genome sequencing were performed in 83 MRSA isolates. Commercial automated software (Ridom SeqSphere+) was used to perform cgMLST. MRSA isolates with 0–8 allelic differences were considered related, and medical records were consulted in these cases. ResultsSCCmec type IV/CC1 MRSA was the most frequently detected clone (n = 56, 67.5 %), which was divided into 14 POT types, followed by SCCmec type I/ST8 (n = 9) and SCCmec type IV/ST8 (n = 8). Identical POT types were found across 7 of 11 wards. However, cgMLST analysis identified only three cases (six strains) of high genetic similarity, indicating nosocomial transmission; only one involved SCCmec type IV/CC1 (two strains). The mean allelic difference in the core genomes between strains with identical POT types in the same ward was 55.3 ± 22.0. ConclusionsThe cgMLST method proved more effective for identifying nosocomial transmissions compared to POT, highlighting its utility in tracking MRSA spread in healthcare settings.

Prevalence, Diversity, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Among Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections in a Referral Hospital in Tehran, Iran

Background: The increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge in the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of clonal groups of MRSA strains isolated from patients with DFIs in a major referral hospital in Tehran. Methods: We determined the prevalence, diversity, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of MRSA isolated from patients with DFIs attending a referral hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2019 - 2020. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, ccr typing, PhP typing, and detection of the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (pvl) gene were performed to explore the diversity of the strains. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the strains were determined using the disk diffusion method and broth microdilution assay. Results: Of the 238 S. aureus strains isolated, 73 were identified as MRSA. The highest antibiotic resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (86%), followed by kanamycin and tobramycin (84%). Additionally, 49.3% of the strains exhibited high-level oxacillin resistance (MIC ≥ 256 µg/mL). SCCmec type III and type 3 ccr were detected in 86.3% of the strains, classifying them as hospital-acquired (HA)-MRSA. PhP typing revealed the presence of 8 common types (CTs) and 11 single types (STs), with CT2 comprising 41.1% of the strains. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MRSA strains isolated from DFIs in this region are diverse and resistant to clinically important antibiotics. Diabetic patients can serve as a reservoir for the dissemination of these bacteria between community and clinical environments.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Carriage Among Cutting Specialties at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center

Objective: To determine the point prevalence of, and risk factors associated with MRSA carriage among resident physicians of surgical departments at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center. Methods: Design: Cross-sectional Study Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Participants:51 resident physicians from different surgical departments (general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology – head and neck surgery and dermatology) underwent nasal and pharyngeal swabs with microbial culture and sensitivity testing to identify MRSA carriers. Fisher Exact Test and logistic regression were utilized to determine associations between MRSA carriage and various risk factors including frequency of hand washing and departmental affiliation. Results: Overall prevalence rate of MRSA carriage was 9.8%. Otorhinolaryngology residents had the highest combined prevalence of MRSA of 42.9%, significantly higher compared to other departments and were used as a reference in logistic regression analyses. Notably, handwashing only once daily was associated with a 20-fold increase in the risk of MRSA carriage (OR 20.5, 95% CI: 1.82 to 230, p = .014). Other departments did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in MRSA carriage rates. Conclusions: Otorhinolaryngology resident physicians had the highest combined prevalence of MRSA and nasal MRSA was found only in otorhinolaryngology residents. The surgical subspecialty and frequency of handwashing of the healthcare worker were identified as important risk factors to develop MRSA carriage. Targeted interventions (including enhanced infection control protocols and regular screening) are needed especially in high-risk departments.

Resistome, Virulome, and Clonal Variation in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Healthy Swine Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study investigates the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characteristics in healthy swine populations in central Portugal. A total of 213 samples were collected from pigs on twelve farms, and MRSA prevalence was assessed using selective agar plates and confirmed via molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to characterize resistance profiles and genetic determinants. Among the 107 MRSA-positive samples (83.1% prevalence), fattening pigs and breeding sows exhibited notably high carriage rates. The genome of 20 isolates revealed the predominance of the ST398 clonal complex, with diverse spa types identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, including penicillin, cefoxitin, and tetracycline. WGS analysis identified a diverse array of resistance genes, highlighting the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, virulence gene profiling revealed the presence of genes associated with pathogenicity. These findings underscore the significant prevalence of MRSA in swine populations and emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate zoonotic transmission risks. Implementation of prudent antimicrobial use practices and targeted intervention strategies is essential to reducing MRSA prevalence and safeguarding public health. Continued research efforts are warranted to elucidate transmission dynamics and virulence potential, ultimately ensuring food safety and public health protection.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage among Apparently Healthy University Staff and Students in Kaduna, Nigeria

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been frequently implicated in healthcare-associated infections. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage among apparently healthy University staff and students in Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of 250 nasal swab samples were collected alongside demographic data. Gram staining and biochemical tests were carried out to identify the Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistance was determined phenotypically using cefoxitin disc. Antibiotics susceptibility testing of the MRSA isolates was carried out using agar diffusion method and the multidrug resistance determined. Out of the 250 nasal samples collected, 41 (16.4%) were confirmed to be S. aureus, out of which 25(61.0%) were methicillin resistant. Students from Faculties of Science and Medicine harboured higher percentages of MRSA (69.2% and 60.0%, respectively) in their nasal cavity. Gentamicin (84%) and ciprofloxacin (72%) were the most active antibacterial agents against the MRSA isolates. High level of resistance was recorded amongst the MRSA isolates to amoxicillin (80.0%), cotrimoxazole (52.0%), erythromycin (32.0%) and streptomycin (32.0%).Multidrug resistance was recorded in 48% of the MRSA isolates. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of MRSA (61.0%) among Staff and students of Kaduna State University. Irrational use of antibiotics especially in the community and without prescription might be responsible for this.

Isolation and encapsulation of bacteriophage with chitosan nanoparticles for biocontrol of multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from broiler poultry farms

This study was divided into two parts. The first part, the determination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence in 25 broiler chicken farms, with the detection of multidrug resistant MRSA strains. The prevalence of MRSA was 31.8% (159 out of 500 samples) at the level of birds and it was 27% (27 out of 100) in the environmental samples. The highest antimicrobial resistance of the recovered MRSA strains was recorded to streptomycin (96%). All isolates (100%) had multidrug resistance (MDR) to four or more antibiotics with 16 distinct antibiotic resistant patterns, and multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of 0.4–1. The second part, implementing novel biocontrol method for the isolated multidrug resistant MRSA strains through the isolation of its specific phage and detection of its survival rate at different pH and temperature degrees and lytic activity with and without encapsulation by chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs). Encapsulated and non-encapsulated MRSA phages were characterized using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Encapsulation of MRSA phage with CS-NPs increasing its lytic activity and its resistance to adverse conditions from pH and temperature. The findings of this study suggested that CS-NPs act as a protective barrier for MRSA phage for the control of multidrug resistant MRSA in broiler chicken farms.

The Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Saudi Hospital.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus (MRSA) has become a major public health problem all over the world. After the 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID-19), the pandemic may have influenced research priorities and resource allocation, potentially affecting the ability to monitor MRSA trends. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of S. aureus, including MRSA infections, and their antimicrobial susceptibilities over the years 2019 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital in Makkah City, KSA. A total of 2128 and 1515 laboratory (lab) samples were collected during the years 2019 and 2020, respectively. From these samples, the prevalence of S. aureus, including MRSA, and their antibiotic susceptibility were identified using standard, automated, and molecular microbiological methods. The present study shows that the lab prevalence ofall S. aureus during 2019 was found to be 35.5%, of which MRSA was 44.8%. During 2020, the frequency of S. aureus strains was 16%, of which MRSA was 41.2%. The most common MRSA isolated during both years were colonizing pus swabs and urine samples. The results showed that MRSA susceptibility against antimicrobial agents in 2019 was as follows: vancomycin (100%), linezolid (100%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (88%), and doxycycline (34.2%). The MRSA strains isolated during 2020 were as follows: vancomycin (100%), linezolid (96%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (100%), and doxycycline (24.3%). There was no significant difference in the incidence and antimicrobial resistance rates of MRSA over the two years. It was concluded that the prevalence rates of MRSA have not increased in 2020 when compared to 2019. Vancomycin, linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline remain susceptible to the positive collected MRSA strains. There was no significant difference between the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance rates of MRSA between 2019 and 2020. Continued research efforts are needed to address this persistent public health threat. Strategies to control the spread of MRSA should include early detection of MRSA and surveillance, even during pandemics.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a maternity and children hospital in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pathogens are considered a serious global health threat, leading to increased mortality and antimicrobial resistance. Rates in Saudi Arabia remain high, necessitating continuous surveillance. This study investigates MRSA prevalence and susceptibility at a Saudi maternity and children's hospital. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric (<18 years) and maternal patients with S. aureus infection from Jan. 2020 to March. 2022. Bacterial strains were obtained from patient’s clinical specimens and was identified by standard method. The BD Phoenix™ M50 was used for antibiotic susceptibility tests and MRSA detection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) with SPSS software. ResultsOut of 152 S. aureus cases, 114/152 (75 %) were pediatric and 38/152 (25 %) were maternal patients. The overall MRSA infection was 69/152 (45.4 %). Among pediatrics, 31/54 (57.4 %) MRSA cases were female; over 30/54 (56 %) were under 1 year old; and most MRSA infections were obtained from skin 29/54 (53.7 %) compared to other sites of infections (p = 0.024). Among maternal cases, 15/38 (39.5 %) were MRSA, primarily from wound infections 14/15 (93.3 %) compared to other sites of infections (p = 0.39). All MRSA isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. While 51/60(85 %) were sensitive to Trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole. ConclusionThis investigation found a high prevalence of MRSA among pediatrics and maternal inpatients, indicating a significant burden. All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin but demonstrated variable sensitivity to other antibiotics. These findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance, infection control strategies, and research into alternative treatment options to combat this major public health threat.

Distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from animals and humans in Yogyakarta Indonesia

Background and Aim: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been known as a highly pathogenic bacteria in animals and humans, which is still becoming a global health issue. The prevalence of MRSA infection continues to increase worldwide and has become a global concern as a dangerous zoonotic disease. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050 MRSA will be the leading cause of death. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MRSA in S. aureus isolates of veterinary and human origin in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 cases of S. aureus infection were examined in this study, consisting of nine isolates from cattle, five from goat, and 28 from human. All isolates were confirmed as S. aureus based on bacterial culture and detection of 23S rRNA and thermonuclease nuc gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among 42 isolates, 35 isolates (83.3%) were identified as MRSA by PCR positive of mecA gene encoding methicillin resistance. Most MRSA strains were found in human isolates (100%), followed by cattle isolates (55.5%) and goats (40%). All MRSA strains were also multi-resistant to penicillin (blaZ gene) and tetracycline (tetK, and tetM genes) with a prevalence of about 98%. Conclusion: MRSA prevalence in humans and animals has increased significantly in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, compared to the previous study. The antimicrobial resistance pattern of MRSA animal isolates tends to be similar to humans and, thus, raises public health concerns about MRSA zoonotic spread. Keywords: animal, antimicrobial resistance, human, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Poultry in Umuahia, Nigeria

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among poultry was investigated. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) poses serious public health issues worldwide and infections resulting from these organisms present difficult therapeutic challenges. A total of 250 swab samples were collected from the skin, cloaca, and egg shells of chickens as well as from feeds, droppings and environment of poultry farms located in rural communities of Umuahia, Nigeria. The respective specimens were inoculated onto mannitol salt agar using the streak plate technique. Inoculated plates were incubated at 35–37 °C for 18 to 24 hours aerobically. Bacterial colonies showing typical characteristics of S. aureus (i.e., golden yellow pigmentation on mannitol salt agar resulting from the fermentation of mannitol) were subcultured onto freshly prepared nutrient agar plates to obtain pure colonies. The pure isolates were characterized by Gram staining, biochemical testing and molecular identification. Antimicrobial assays of the isolates were performed using various antibiotics. Out of 250 samples, 66 isolates of S. aureus were obtained. The antibiotic resistant pattern of S. aureus varied. The isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, erythromycin and cefuroxime. The multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) profile of S. aureus showed that 20(30.3%) exhibited MAR to nine antibiotics while 19(28.8%) isolates exhibited MAR to ten antibiotics. Out of the 66 isolates, 24(36.3%) isolates were Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The highest prevalence of MRSA was obtained from skin and cloaca samples. This study has confirmed the existence of MRSA in poultry farms within the study area. The presence of S. aureus and MRSA in poultry poses a great challenge to food security, because most of the poultry where samples were collected in this study are small holder farms that supply chickens to the public for human consumption as a source of protein.