State of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Hospital of Navarre (2000-2002)

Abstract

Background. The aim of the present paper was to determine the prevalence and characteristics shown by isolations of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, isolated in our Microbiology Service. Methods. Retrospective study, covering the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. Analysis was made of the origin of the infection (nosocomial or non-nosocomial), the unit of origin in the event of nosocomial origin, anatomical localisation of the sample, and pattern of antibiotic sensitivity. Results. The isolations of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 7.88% of the Staphylococcus aureus isolated. Less than half of the strains (44.87%) had a nosocomial origin and were most often isolated in the exudates of wounds. With respect to the pattern of resistance, there was some 50% of resistance to erythromycin, some 43.60% to clindamycine and some 21.79% to mupirocin. Conclusions. The prevalence and resistance pattern in vitro of the isolations of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in our hospital are lower than that published in other areas of Spain.A