Abstract

The spectrums of infections due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are manifold and are associated with worse outcomes. A study on the prevalence of these pathogens and their sensitivity patterns will give updated information which is very helpful for health personnel responsible in the management of patients and timely monitoring of the emergence of resistant strains. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and
associated factors among patients with surgical wound infection at ESUTH, Parklane. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 patients attending ESUTH, Parklane from the period of June to October, 2021. Wound swab samples were collected aseptically and transported to Medical Microbiology laboratory of ESUTH, Parklane. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was done based on cultural and biochemical profiles. Drug susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby
Bauer disc diffusion technique as per the standard and interpreted based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. There was a statistical level of difference in isolates positive for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria isolated from wound swabs in ESUTH, Parklane (p<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus isolates from 120 processed surgical wound swabs were 84(86%). Of these, 79(94%) were identified as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 5(6%) were Methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus using Cefoxitin and Oxacillin. The isolated Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus showed highest resistance to Ampiclox (87%) and highest sensitivity to Erythromycin (25%). There was a statistical level of difference between the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates (p<0.05). This research revealed that Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus had a high prevalence at ESUTH, Parklane with a prevalence of 94% of the total samples taken. It is important that adequate provisions are made to install fully equipped hand washing sinks at vantage points all around the hospital and especially at the entrance of the surgical wards in ESUTH, Parklane.