Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

A prospective surveillance of Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was carried out at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, over a one year period. This study highlights the continuos importance of MRSA in causing both hospital and to a less extent community acquired infections. Out of the 180 consecutive isolates of S. aureus tested, 758 (43%) were found to be methicillin resistant, 81% (63 isolates) of the MRSA were from hospital in-patients while 19% (15 isolates) were from out-patients. The highest rate of methicillin resistance (81%) was found in surgical wound infections while the special care baby unity (SCBU) service recorded 4%. 85% of the MRSA were sensitive to Ofloxacilin while 46% were sensitive to peflacine. Most MRSA isolates were multiply resistant to Augumentin, centriaxone and ceftazidime, thus confirming the nosocomial nature of the isolates. Vancomycin and teicoplanin are not locally available and so ofloxacillin is the drug of choice. This study has demonstrated a high prevalence of MRSA in our hospital, which definitely plays a significant role in hospital acquired inflections. In conclusion, the relatively high prevalence of MRSA in this study has shown that there is a “limited” level of infection control activity in our hospital. (Af. J. of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology: 2003 4(1): 52-55)