Carriage rate and Antimicrobial resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Among Healthcare Workers at Edna Adan University Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations ranging from food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and infections that range from mild skin infections to serious and life threatening conditions such as, endocarditis, bacteremia and osteomyelitis (1). Ranking as the second most common cause of hospital acquired (nosocomial) bloodstream infections (2). About 20% of patients undergoing surgery acquire at least one nosocomial S. aureus infection, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and costs (2).however, there is no any previous study conducted regarding this topic in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Objectives:The main objective of this study was to determine the Carriage rate and Antimicrobial resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Among Healthcare Workers at Edna Adan University Hospital Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional was conducted on a total of 80 healthcare workers from July to August 2023 at EAH. A simple random sampling technique was used and Samples were collected from HCWs at EAUH from July to August 2023. By using pre-moistened sterile cotton swabs and specimens were collected from the anterior nares and palms of the HCWs. The samples were collected by rotating the swabs gently two to three times on both nares of the study participants. Similarly, a second swab was used to collect specimen from both palms of the health care workers. Both swabs were cultured on blood agar and subculture onto Manitol Salt agar and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hrs. Results: The overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in this study was 20% (16/80) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 7.5% (6/80). Carriage rate was highest among midwifes 7(29.2%) followed by nurses 5(26.3%) and doctors (3(17.6%) respectively. Similarly highest colonization rate of MRSA 3(60%) were observed among nurses and doctors 1(50%) followed by midwifes 2(28.6%). Length of healthcare service was significantly associated with MRSA colonization. Highest rate of resistance (100%) was found against Ampicillin, Cefoxitin (93.7%) Erythromycin (87.5% and Gentamycin (68.75%) respectively. S. aureus was found to be highly sensitive to Doxycycline (100%) Ciprofloxacin (100%) and Clindamycin (87.5%). Similarly, MRSA was completely showed (100%) resistance against Cefoxitin and ampicillin. Conclusion: The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are high in this study. The present study encourages the need for regular screening and surveillance among hospital staff and the environment to prevent MRSA transmission among health-care personnel and Molecular detection of highly resistant strains of MRSA are suggested