Author(s)

Theophilus Pius^1*, Reagan Irege¹, Danladi Makeri², Andrew Tamale³

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda.
²Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda.
³Department of Public Health, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate from Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs) especially, strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) worldwide. The treatment of SSTIs caused by MRSA has become more unsolved and a public health concern. Methods: A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors for MRSA among patients with SSTIs. A sterile swab stick was used and pus was collected from the affected site of the skin. Samples were cultured immediately following standard laboratory procedures. Staphylococcus aureus isolated were identified culturally, morphologically, and biochemically. MRSA was detected using an oxacillin disc (1 μg) and a methicillin disc (30 mcg). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: Out of a total of 78 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 42 (53.8%) were MRSA. 39 (50%) were among participants with no formal education and 40 (51.28%) among females. Bivariate analysis showed prolonged hospitalization (P < 0.04), long-term on antibiotics for months (P < 0.03), and having surgery in the previous 6 months (P < 0.04) were significantly associated with MRSA in SSTIs. MRSA was sensitive to imipenem (97.44%), and chloramphenicol (51.28%). Resistance was found mainly with erythromycin (87.1%), and ampicillin (98.7%). Conclusion: Prolonged hospital stay after surgery was significantly associated with MRSA among SSTIs. Healthcare facilities should intensify measures for infection control and ensure regular washing of beddings. Prescribers should take a pathogen-specific approach to treatment with susceptible confirmed antibiotics to address the burden of antibiotic resistance.

Methicillin-Resistant, Staphylococcus aureus, Skin, and Soft Tissue, Infection, Predisposing Factors

Pius, T. , Irege, R. , Makeri, D. and Tamale, A. (2023) Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Patients with Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Bushenyi, Western, Uganda. Open Access Library Journal, 10, 1-12. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1110186.