SURVEILLANCE OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) AT A GENERAL HOSPITAL IN SAUDI ARABIA

Sanaa Al-Attas* and Hamed Adetunji

ABSTRACT

Background: MRSA colonization and infection are widespread worldwide causing significant morbidity and economic impact. MRSA is hard due to their resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Prevention is only hope if patients to be targeted are known. We present results of surveillance to identify at-risks patients and units in a Saudi Arabia hospital in Jeddah. The aim is to detect the range of MRSA spread through hospital wards and units, between the patients their genders and sites and to use the results to recommend effective infection control systems to prevent hospital acquired infections in hospital settings. Methods: The subjects consisted of 597 in-patients from different wards between January 2010 and January 2011. A total of 2074 swabs from multi-sites were collected and tested with the BDGO BD GeneOhm using both PCR and conventional chromogenic culture. Smart Cycler® II software was used for amplifying, detecting and interpreting the results. Results: There are statistically significant (p<0.001) overall MRSA infection prevalence of 25.2%. Units’ prevalence ranges from 4.8% (Medical rehabilitation) to 80% (coronary unit). There is statistically significant effects of Age (p = .04) and sex (p=0.05) on MRSA infection. Two of the swab sites are statistically significant (Nasal swab (p<0.01) and Perineum (p<0.001). Conclusions: From the findings of this study, we conclude that hospital surveillance of MRSA can help to identify not only at-risk patients but can also indicate which units to target activities of control of infection for effective results.

Keywords: MRSA, colonization, infections, spread, nosocomial, hospital settings.