Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Nigerian healthcare setting: Findings from Edo Specialist Hospital

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium and a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain that has emerged as a global public health concern. The study aims to determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Edo Specialist Hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 369 microbial isolates obtained from clinical specimens. Samples were processed according to standard microbiological techniques, and the identification of Staphylococcus aureus was done using Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method for antibiotics. MRSA screening was performed using the cefoxitin disc diffusion test. Results: The study found that out of 369 microbial isolates, 40(10.8%) were Staphylococcus aureus, while 11(27.5%) were MRSA. MRSA was mainly isolated from high vaginal swabs (36.4%), urine (18.2%), endocervical swabs, semen, urethral swabs, wound swab and sputum (9.1%) respectively. There was no statistically significant association (P > 0.05) between MRSA and socio-demographic characteristics by age, gender, clinical specimen type, and patient admission status. MRSA prevalence is highest among the 20-29 age group (54.4%), with females (72.7%) and out-patients (72.7%) having higher rates than in-patients (27.3%) and high vaginal swab specimens (36.4%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that cefoxitin demonstrated the highest sensitivity (72.5%), while erythromycin showed complete resistance (0%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus calls for comprehensive strategies to combat MRSA transmission and antimicrobial resistance in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.