Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from intensive care unit patients in Wasit province, Iraq

Abstract

Background: This study examines the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients in critical care units in Wasit Province, Iraq, with a focus on methicillin-resistant strains.

 Material and Methods: For this study, 125 clinical specimens from patients in the critical care unit were collected between September 2023 and January 2024. The isolates were first identified by culture, microscopic examination, and biochemical testing.

Results: According to the biochemical data, 24 out of 30 S. aureus isolates had an 80% MRSA designation. Urine samples had the highest prevalence of S. aureus (50%), followed by skin abscesses (37.5%) and sputum (12.5%). According to antibiotic susceptibility testing, all MRSA isolates showed resistance to penicillin and amoxicillin, while sensitivity was highest for rifampicin (91.7%), clindamycin (80%), and trimethoprim (75%).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical necessity for efficient infection control protocols and antibiotic management in ICU environments to address the escalating threat of MRSA. Continuous surveillance is crucial for monitoring the dissemination of resistant strains and guiding treatment approaches. This study provides significant data regarding MRSA epidemiology in Iraq, emphasizing the crucial public health ramifications of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.