MIRERC085/2025: THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ANTI-MICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES AT MERU TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, ranging from mild skin conditions to severe systemic diseases. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among S. aureus strains poses significant challenges to effective treatment, particularly in healthcare settings.

Objective: This study aims comprehensively assess the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of S. aureus isolated from clinical samples through a combined retrospective and prospective study.

Methodology: The mixed method observational study will include a retrospective review of microbiology laboratory records for two years and a prospective surveillance of S. aureus collected for two months. Identification of S. aureus will be performed using standard microbiological techniques, and susceptibility testing is carried out following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data on demographic and clinical factors will also be analyzed to identify potential risk factors for infection and resistance.

Findings: The study will provide detailed data on the prevalence of MSSA and MRSA in various clinical samples reveal temporal changes in antimicrobial susceptibility and identify risk factors associated with resistance trends and inform local antibiotic stewardship and infection control strategies.

Conclusion: Integrating retrospective and prospective data enables a robust understanding of staphylococcus aureus epidemiology and resistance dynamics, facilitating improved clinical management and guiding targeted interventions to reduce infection burden and antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings