Title : Exploring MRSA prevalence and implications in Qatar's community
Abstract:
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue causing increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Among Gram-positive, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S) aureus (MRSA) is a severe threat, causing conditions ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening diseases. Approximately 30% of the population is colonized with S. aureus, which may become an infection depending on bacterial virulence and host factors. Initially, MRSA was a hospital issue. However, recently, community-associated MRSA has emerged with the potential to spread quickly in the community, resulting in catastrophic consequences due to the limited therapeutic options.
Objective: For the first time in Qatar, this study aims to delve into the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of MRSA in the community. Additionally, it will analyze the virulence genes and phenotypic and genotypic determinants of resistance to inform empirical antibiotic prescribing practices and guide the implementation of infection control measures.
Methods: 576 participants were enrolled from individuals attending the 18 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC). Sampling involved swabbing nostrils and axillae with a moistened sterile cotton swab. The swabs are then cultured on mannitol salt agar. Suspected colonies were confirmed using Vitek 2 Compact. Identified S. aureus underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing. Those resistant to cefoxitin and amoxicillin were classified as MRSA and subjected to an additional 15 relevant antibiotic tests. PCR-specific primers were employed for the genetic determination of resistance and the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL).
Results: The percentage of MRSA in the S. aureus-positive samples was 36.6%. Out of the 16 antibiotics studied, 9 showed resistance, including oxacillin (100%), methicillin (100%), ciprofloxacin (28%), trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole (14%), Gentamycin (14%), tetracycline (28%), erythromycin (28%), and inducible clindamycin (28%). All of them tested negative for PVL and Mec C.
Conclusions: This study fills a crucial gap in Qatar's healthcare data by providing benchmark information on the prevalence, and molecular epidemiology of MRSA in the community. These findings are instrumental in setting tailored guidelines to prevent outpatient infections by MRSA and supplement the targeted HA-MRSA screening program at the primary care health provider in Qatar.
Keywords: MRSA; Community; Qatar; AMR
Audience Take Away:
- Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn? Overall, perceptions gained from the epidemiology of MRSA in the community empower professionals across various healthcare sectors to implement targeted interventions, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the broader goal of combatting antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, epidemiological studies on MRSA can contribute to the scientific literature and serve as a foundation for further research activities. Researchers can explore topics such as molecular mechanisms of MRSA resistance
- How will this help the audience in their job? equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage and control CA-MRSA infections, ultimately improving patient care and public health outcomes.
- Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching? Yes, of course. Research on CA-MRSA epidemiology contributes to the body of scientific knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases. It provides insights into the factors driving CA-MRSA transmission, the genetic diversity of CA-MRSA strains, and the effectiveness of interventions. The resulting information can guide future research directions and inform public health policies.
- Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient? Yes, these findings are instrumental in setting tailored guidelines to prevent outpatient infections by MRSA and supplement the targeted HA-MRSA screening program at the primary care health provider in Qatar.
- Will it improve the accuracy of a design, or provide new information to assist in a design problem? Yes
