FREQUENCY OF MRSA BACTEREMIA IN CANCER PATIENTS

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen responsible for bloodstream infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients. Due to their immunosuppressive therapies, prolonged hospital exposures, and frequent invasive procedures, oncology patients remain highly vulnerable to MRSA bacteremia. Early identification and management of these infections are essential to reducing morbidity, hospital stay, and overall mortality. In Pakistan, data on MRSA prevalence in the cancer population remain limited, necessitating localized research. Objective: To assess the frequency of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections primarily in the bloodstream of cancer patients in a tertiary care setting in Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore, from July 12, 2024, to January 12, 2025. A total of 115 cancer patients aged 19 to 60 years were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling from the outpatient department. Inclusion criteria included diagnosed cancer patients not currently on antibiotics or with other known bacterial infections. Blood samples were aseptically collected and cultured to identify MRSA. Data were recorded using a structured proforma and analyzed in SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and MRSA prevalence was determined. Results: The mean age of participants was 41.27 ± 11.34 years, with 65 (56.5%) males and 50 (43.5%) females. Among the participants, MRSA was confirmed in 60 (52.2%) patients. Cancer types included blood (13.9%), liver (15.6%), head and neck (18.3%), brain (11.3%), colon (13.0%), pancreatic (11.3%), and other cancers (16.5%). Regarding treatment, 42 (36.5%) were receiving chemotherapy, 44 (38.3%) radiotherapy, and 29 (25.2%) both modalities. Conclusion: The study identified a notably high prevalence of MRSA bacteremia in cancer patients, emphasizing the urgent need for early detection, preventive strategies, and timely initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy to reduce complications and disease progression.