Prevalence and associated factors of methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus among clinical isolates at Hawassa university comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia, 2019–2023

The MRSA prevalence observed aligns with other studies conducted in Ethiopia. Temporal variations in MRSA prevalence underscore the need for continuous surveillance to identify contributing factors and inform targeted infection control strategies aimed at mitigating the spread of resistant S. aureus strains. There is a significant association between MRSA occurrence and admission to the surgical ward, highlighting the need for targeted infection prevention and control strategies in high-risk hospital wards. Unlike other studies, a higher prevalence of MRSA was observed among female patients, warranting further investigation to identify potential underlying factors.