Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Demographic Factors Related to Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is important nosocomial pathogen which has elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Objectives: The aim of our study was to find out the present scenario of prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and the demographic factors such as age and gender related to MRSA in different wards of tertiary hospital. Methods: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from fifty one clinical specimens at Mayo hospital, Lahore and were subjected to in vitro sensitivity against various antimicrobials by using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Out of total S. aureus isolated 55% were found to be resistant with methicillin/oxacillin. Most of the MRSA specimens were also found to be susceptible to vancomycin, whereas most were found resistant to ampicillin. Majority of MRSA were isolated from blood samples (31%) followed by pus samples (28%). Most MRSA isolates were seen in the patients admitted in medical wards (32%) followed by dermatology (18%). Conclusions: Vancomycin is losing its effectiveness against methicillin resistant strains of S. aureus, as one vancomycin resistant sample was also isolated during the study. Prevalence of MRSA found elevated which was evident as more prevalent in males as compare to females, and 30-39 years age group was found to be more affected. Medical ward had most of the MRSA patients followed by dermatology. Improved diagnostic techniques can produce better results by promoting targeted therapy. Laws should be devised which will keep a check on the antibiotic prescriptions made by doctors.