Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections among Patients at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Al Qassim City, KSA.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern due to its resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Its prevalence varies widely across different regions and healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MRSA among patients hospitalised at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Al Qassim City, Saudi Arabia, and identify the distribution of MRSA across various demographics and healthcare settings. This cross-sectional, hospital-based study involved 10,936 patients (63.6% male, 36.4% female), with ages ranging from infants (1-10 years) to older adults (≥88 years). The prevalence of MRSA was determined through clinical samples, and isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity testing. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 25.3%. High MRSA prevalences were observed in wound infections (35.6%), nasal swabs (14.0%), and aerobic blood cultures (10.6%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that 72.2% of samples were sensitive to the tested antibiotics, while 27.0% were resistant to antibiotics like Amikacin, Aztreonam, Cefepime, and various carbapenems. The mortality rate was 17.4% in the study population during the study period. These findings underscore the need for enhanced infection control measures, targeted antibiotic stewardship programs, and continuous surveillance to effectively manage and reduce MRSA infections.