ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAIN FROM NWBORN AND HOSPITAL STAFF IN MATERNITY AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL IN MAKKAH

This study investigates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among newborns and hospital staff at the Maternity and Childrens Hospital in Makkah. MRSA exhibits resistant features to beta-lactam antibiotics and, therefore, has become a big challenge to public health. Nasal swabs were cultured on selective media, and methicillin resistance was confirmed by molecular methods such as PCR. It resulted in the following resistance patterns: Benzylpenicillin-70% and Oxacillin-30%. The isolate is sensitive to Gentamicin, Linezolid, and Vancomycin among other classes. Different MRSA types from the neonates and staff isolate call for targeted infection control approaches. MRSA colonization in babies was related to the period of stay and an increased incidence of mortality, again the demand for continuous vigil through epidemiological surveillance and enforcing rigorous infection prevention practices towards changing clinical practice.