Prevalence of Meticillin Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus in Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Background: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTIs) is an emerging and threatening disease of both adults and children. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a life threatening pathogens that may colonize the lungs and cause Staphylococcal related lower respiratory tract infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with MRSA infection among individuals with lower respiratory tract infections in a community setting. Method: A structured questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, antibiotic usage, social life habits were administered to 152 participants, comprising of 80 males and 72 females. The subjects were selected based on non- hospitalization for the past six months. Sputum samples were collected and cultured unto Mannitol Salt agar. The Staphylococcus aureus isolates were sub-cultured unto Chromagar MRSA for MRSA identification. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, using disc diffusion method. Result: The MRSA were highly resistant to Ampiclox (96.2%), Amoxcillin (92.3%), Rifampicin and Streptomycin (80.8%), Norfloxacin (76.9%), Erythromycin and Chroramphenicol (69.2%), and Levofloxacin (65.4%). Conclusion: This study showed that MRSA is implicated in LRTIs and is brought about by improper therapy and lack of awareness.