EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MRSA IN SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS A STUDY ON MICROBIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections [SSIs] are represents a significant challenge in health care, and methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] has become a major issue. The current research is, therefore, aimed to investigate the epidemiology of microbes associated with SSIs, with a major focus on the prevalence of MRSA and its accompanying resistance phenotypes. A sample size of 130 SSI specimens was taken to outline the microbial profile. Detection of MRSA was done through conventional phenotypic techniques, which were then confirmed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and the antibiotic resistance patterns also evaluated. Staphylococci species were the most commonly isolated microorganisms [52.3%], then Escherichia coli [20.0%], and Klebsiella spp. [16.1%]. Among the 61 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 45 [73.7%] isolates were found to be MRSA. Susceptibility testing showed marked resistance rates of erythromycin [66.7%] and clindamycin [51.1%] with better susceptibility to linezolid which was 97.8. The gene of mecA was identified in all MRSA isolates. These results highlight the need to have effective diagnostic modalities and excellent antibiotic stewardship. Continued surveillance and custom-designed infection control interventions play a crucial role in ensuring the successful management of the antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The research provides critical information on SSI epidemiology and the prevalence of MRSA, confirming the importance of molecular diagnostics and the need to be alert on the practice of infection control in the health care setting.