Comparison of prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in two tertiary institutions, southern Nigeria.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an incessant public health challenge with a rising trend in community infection among students. This study compared the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA nasal colonization among students in two tertiary institutions in Southern(east and west) Nigeria. One hundred nasal swab samples were collected from healthy university students and questionnaire aided in the retrieval of demographic and possible risk data. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified using morphological and biochemical approach. MRSA was detected phenotypically using both cefoxitin test and double disk synergy test. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done on the MRSA isolates against 9 antibiotics. A total of18% (18/100) and 6% (6/100) Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA isolates was detected respectively. Of which, 8% (4/50) and 4% (2/50) MRSA strains was found in south eastern and south western Nigeria respectively (p = 0.036). The mean age of the students was 21.4 years ±1.81. Overall, the age-group and gender with the highest MRSA colonization was 20-24 years and females respectively. Significant association was found between MRSA colonization and regular hospital visitation, touching of nose/face, and use of antibiotics without doctor's prescription (P <0.05) in both institutions. A total of 100% of the isolates were resistant to clotrimazole. High prevalence (67%) of multi-drug resistance was observed. The prevalence of MRSA in both institutions had significant difference; with the risk factors: regular hospital visitation, touching of nose/face and indiscriminate use of antibiotics among the students.