This
study aimed toreport the frequency
of MRSA among S. aureus isolates from patients in Makkah hospitals in Saudi Arabia and described the antimicrobial resistance
profile of the MRSA isolates. 206 non-duplicated S. aureus
clinical isolates were identified in the five main tertiary care hospitals in
Makkahwithstandard
microbiological methods. MRSA wer identified by Oxoid penicillin binding
protein (PBP2′) latex agglutination test, and confirmed by the oxacillin-salt
agar-screening test. The antimicrobial susceptibility of all MRSA isolates were
assessed using a VITEK 2 Compact 15 identification system.MRSA was 55.3% and most frequently isolated from the intensive care unit
37%. Of the patients infected with MRSA, the majority were men 60%, and 25%
were over 60 years old. Of the MRSA strains isolated, 41% were from skin and
wound swabs. The resistance rates among MRSA isolates for penicillin G,
oxacillin, and vancomycin were 100%, 100%, and 0.9%, respectively. Our results
indicated that the prevalence of MRSA in Makkah hospitals was generally high.
vancomycin, teicoplanin, and the oxazolidinone linezolid were considered the
drugs of choice for the treatment of MRSA infections.