Mupirocin Resistance among Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Causing Surgical Site Infections

Abstract

Background: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of serious infections. MRSA is a devastating complication, leading to increased mortality rates, increased hospital stay and costs. Topical mupirocin is used to eradicate nasal carriage and treat local infections with MRSA. Emergence of mupirocin resistance seriously adds to the problem of MRSA infections. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mupirocin resistance and MupA gene among MRSA isolates causing surgical site infections. Methods: A total of 30 MRSA isolates from 150 patients with surgical site infections were identified. Mupirocin resistance was assessed using the E-test and polymerase chain reaction targeting mupA gene. Biofilm formation was tested. Results: Out of the 30 MRSA strains, 16.7% were mupirocin resistant and 10% were mupirocin resistant and carrying MupA gene. All of these isolates were biofilm producers and generally, the biofilm producers showed more resistance to antibiotics than non producers. Conclusion: MRSA infection along with mupirocin resistance represent a warning sign. Thus, it is advisable to test for MRSA colonization and infection among health care staff to control its spread.