Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among patients with oral infections in Sana’a City-Yemen

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a pathogenic bacterium capable of causing systemic and dental infections, is increasingly developing resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, causing growing concern in modern times. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Sana’a City, Yemen, among patients with oral cavity infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted among 100 patients visiting dental clinics at Sana’a, Yemen, between September 2022 and September 2023. A questionnaire was used to gather the required data. The mouth swab specimens were collected from each patient and S. aureus screened using standard laboratory techniques, including selective media, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. In addition, a disc diffusion approach was employed to conduct an antimicrobial sensitivity test with specific antibiotics. Results: Out of 100 cultured specimens, 60 showed positive growth in culture media. In addition, the prevalence of MRSA was 37%. Moreover, a higher rate of MRSA was reported among females (51.4%), age groups 1–25 years old (32.4%), males with chronic periodontitis (27%), females with gingivitis (27%), and females with periodontal health (13.5%). Additionally, Azithromycin (70.3%) emerged as the most effective antibacterial agent against all MRSA isolates (P = 0.000). Conversely, all MRSA isolates demonstrated resistance to cefoxitin (100%), which was also statistically significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA is high, and the emergence of MRSA isolates resistant to cefoxitin and other broad-spectrum antibiotics has exacerbated the multi-drug resistance of MRSA in oral infections, rendering it increasingly perilous in this context. It is recommended to consistently monitor oral related infections and observe the pattern of antibiotic sensitivity, while also implementing a tight drug strategy for antibiotics. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.