Exploring MRSA Prevalence and Implications in Qatar's Community
BACKGROUND: Among Gram-positive, MRSA is a severe threat, causing conditions ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening diseases. 30% of the population is colonised with S. aureus, which may become an infection [1]. Initially, MRSA was a hospital issue; however, recently, community...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213716524002066 |
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| Summary: | BACKGROUND: Among Gram-positive, MRSA is a severe threat, causing conditions ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening diseases. 30% of the population is colonised with S. aureus, which may become an infection [1]. Initially, MRSA was a hospital issue; however, recently, community-associated MRSA has emerged with the potential to spread quickly in the community. AIMS: For the first time in Qatar, this study aims to delve into the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of MRSA in the community. Additionally, it will analyse the virulence genes and phenotypic and genotypic determinants of resistance. METHODS: 576 participants were enrolled from individuals attending the 18 Primary Health Care Centres. Sampling involved swabbing nostrils and axillae and culturing on agar. Suspected colonies were confirmed using Vitek. Identified S. aureus underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing to 16 relevant antibiotics. PCR-specific primers were employed for the genetic determination of resistance and the presence of Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL). RESULTS: The percentage of MRSA in the S. aureus-positive samples was 33.3%. Of the 16 antibiotics studied, 9 showed resistance, including oxacillin (100%), methicillin (100%), ciprofloxacin (28%), cotrimoxazole (10%), Gentamycin (14%), tetracycline (24%), erythromycin (29%), and inducible clindamycin (23%). All of them tested negative for PVL and Mec C. CONCLUSION: This study fills a crucial gap in Qatar's healthcare data by providing benchmark information on MRSA's prevalence and molecular epidemiology in the community. These findings are instrumental in setting tailored guidelines to prevent outpatient MRSA infections and supplement the targeted HA-MRSA screening program at Qatar's primary care health provider. |
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| ISSN: | 2213-7165 |