Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes serious infections and withstands common antibiotics. It spreads in both hospitals and communities, making it a persistent and dangerous global health threat. Data on its prevalence and drivers in wound infections in Ethiopia, specially in the Sidama region, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and risk factors of MRSA isolated from wound infections. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals from June to July 2024. A total of 246 participants with wound infections were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Wound swabs were collected and processed for S. aureus following standard microbiological procedures. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin disk diffusion. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with MRSA. Results: Out of 246 participants, 76 (30.9%) were positive for S. aureus. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9% (12/246). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid but showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), clindamycin (66.7%), and erythromycin (50.0%). In the multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), age 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residence (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and deep wound infection (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81) were identified as independent predictors of MRSA. Conclusions: This study reveals a notable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections, with several modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control strategies, including targeted antimicrobial stewardship and robust surveillance systems, to curb the spread of MRSA in our healthcare settings.
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
MRSA, Wound Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance, Risk Factors, Ethiopia, Infection Control
1. Background
Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of both community and healthcare-associated bacterial infections worldwide, with wound infections representing a common and serious clinical manifestation
[1]
Turner NA, Sharma-Kuinkel BK, Maskarinec SA, Eichenberger EM, Shah PP, Carugati M, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an overview of basic and clinical research. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2019; 17(4): 203-18.
. The emergence and global dissemination of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) have severely compromised the efficacy of standard beta-lactam antibiotics, leading to complex treatment challenges, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates
[2]
Lee AS, de Lencastre H, Garau J, Kluytmans J, Malhotra-Kumar S, Peschel A, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018; 4: 18033.
Cosgrove SE, Qi Y, Kaye KS, Harbarth S, Karchmer AW, Carmeli Y. The impact of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia on patient outcomes: mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2005; 26(2): 166-74.
The burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries. A landmark 2019 study on the global burden of AMR attributed 4.95 million deaths to bacterial AMR, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden
[4]
Murray CJL, Ikuta KS, Sharara F, Swetschinski L, Aguilar GR, Gray A, et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. Lancet. 2022; 399(10325): 629-55.
. In Ethiopia, although several studies have reported on MRSA, the prevalence rates vary widely across different regions and healthcare facilities, highlighting the necessity for localized surveillance data
[5]
Eshetie S, Tarekegn F, Moges F, Amsalu A, Birhan W, Huruy K. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ethiopia: a meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis. 2016; 16: 682.
Belete MA, Gedefie A, Alemayehu E, Debash H, Mohammed O, Gebretsadik D, et al. The prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2023; 22(1): 86.
. Vancomycin remains a cornerstone for treating severe MRSA infections; however, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) poses a catastrophic threat, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring
[7]
Cong Y, Yang S, Rao X. Vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections: A review of case updating and clinical features. J Adv Res. 2020; 21: 169-76.
Wound infections provide an ideal environment for S. aureus colonization and subsequent disease. Effective infection control and empirical therapy rely heavily on current, local data regarding the prevalence of MRSA and its associated risk factors. Such information is crucial for developing context-specific interventions but remains scarce for the Sidama region of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MRSA and VRSA, and to identify the associated risk factors among patients with wound infections at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals.
2. Methods
2.1. Study Design, Setting, and Period
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Ethiopia, from June 1 to July 30, 2024. These hospitals serve as primary referral centers for the Sidama region and neighboring areas.
2.2. Study Participants and Sampling
The source population consisted of all patients presenting with wound infections at the surgical, orthopedic, emergency, and other relevant wards. Patients who had received systemic or topical antibiotic therapy within two weeks prior to sample collection were excluded, as were those unable to provide informed consent. The sample size of 246 was calculated using a single population proportion formula, assuming a 82.3% prevalence of MRSA from a previous study in Ethiopia
[8]
Mama M, Aklilu A, Misgna K, Tadesse M, Alemayehu E. Methicillin‐ and inducible clindamycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients with wound infection attending Arba Minch hospital, South Ethiopia. Int J Microbiol. 2019; 2019: 2965490.
, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. Participants were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique until the required sample size was achieved.
2.3. Data Collection and Laboratory Processing
Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Wound swab samples were collected aseptically by trained nurses from the wound bed after cleansing with sterile normal saline. Specimens were transported in Amies transport medium to the microbiology laboratory at Yirgalem Hospital Medical College for processing within 2 hours of collection.
Specimens were inoculated onto Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and 5% Sheep Blood Agar and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24–48 hours. Presumptive S. aureus colonies (mannitol fermentation on MSA, beta-hemolysis on Blood Agar) were sub-cultured to obtain pure isolates. Identification was confirmed by standard methods: Gram stain (Gram-positive cocci in clusters), a positive catalase test, and a positive tube coagulase test.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed on Mueller-Hinton Agar using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and results were interpreted according to CLSI 2020 guidelines
[9]
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. 30th ed. CLSI supplement M100. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2020.
[9]
. The antibiotics tested included: Cefoxitin (30 µg), Clindamycin (2 µg), Erythromycin (15 µg), Linezolid (30 µg), Penicillin (10 units), and Vancomycin (30 µg). MRSA was identified using a cefoxitin disk (zone diameter ≤21 mm). S. aureus ATCC® 25923 was used for quality control throughout the AST process.
2.4. Data Analysis
Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were computed. Binary logistic regression was used to assess crude associations between independent variables and MRSA status. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to control for potential confounders and identify independent predictors. An Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The model's goodness-of-fit was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.
2.5. Ethical Consideration
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Yirgalem Hospital Medical College. Written permission was secured from the administrative bodies of both hospitals. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after explaining the purpose, procedures, potential benefits, and risks of the study. For participants under the age of 18, assent was obtained from the child and written informed consent from their parent or guardian. All information obtained from the participants was kept confidential using code numbers instead of personal identifiers.
3. Results
3.1. Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics
A total of 246 participants were enrolled, yielding a response rate of 100%. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are summarized in Table 1. The majority of participants were male (60.6%), within the age group of 31–45 years (39.8%), and resided in rural areas (56.9%). Most wounds were classified as deep (76.8%), and a significant proportion of participants (76.8%) reported using antibiotics in the 12 months preceding the study.
Table 1. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of study participants (N=246).
Variable
Category
Frequency (n)
Percentage (%)
Age Group (years)
<15
41
16.7
15-30
94
38.2
31-45
98
39.8
46-60
9
3.7
>60
4
1.6
Gender
Male
149
60.6
Female
97
39.4
Educational Status
Not educated
20
8.1
Primary (1-8)
68
27.6
Secondary (9-12)
76
30.9
College (10+ or 12+)
63
25.6
Other
19
7.7
Place of Residence
Urban
107
43.5
Rural
139
56.5
Wound Depth
Superficial
57
23.2
Deep
189
76.8
Antibiotic Use (last 12 months)
Yes
189
76.8
No
57
23.2
3.2. Prevalence of S. Aureus and MRSA
Out of the 246 wound swabs processed, 76 were positive for S. aureus, yielding a prevalence of 30.9%. Among these S. aureus isolates, 12 were confirmed as MRSA. The overall prevalence of MRSA among the study participants was 4.9% (12/246). Among the S. aureus isolates, the proportion of MRSA was 15.8% (12/76). No vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) was identified.
3.3. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern
The overall S. aureus isolates showed high susceptibility to vancomycin (100%), linezolid (100%), and tigecycline (100%). In contrast, high resistance was observed to penicillin (98.7%) and erythromycin (75.0%). All 12 MRSA isolates were resistant to cefoxitin and penicillin (100%). A high level of resistance was also observed to clindamycin (66.7%) and erythromycin (50.0%) among MRSA isolates.
3.4. Factors Associated with MRSA Infection
In the bivariate analysis, variables such as gender, age, residence, history of wound infection, completion of antibiotic dosage, wound depth, and ward of admission met the threshold (p < 0.25) for inclusion in the multivariable model. After adjusting for potential confounders, four factors remained independently associated with a higher odds of MRSA infection (Table 2). The odds of MRSA were significantly higher in males (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), participants aged 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residents (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and those with deep wound infections (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81).
Table 2. Bivariate and multivariable analysis of factors associated with MRSA among patients with wound infection (N=246).
This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of MRSA in wound infections at two hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9%, which is lower than some that reports from Ethiopia
[8]
Mama M, Aklilu A, Misgna K, Tadesse M, Alemayehu E. Methicillin‐ and inducible clindamycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients with wound infection attending Arba Minch hospital, South Ethiopia. Int J Microbiol. 2019; 2019: 2965490.
Tsige Y, Tadesse S, G/Eyesus T, Tefera MM, Amsalu A, Menberu MA, Gelaw B. Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcusaureus and Associated Risk Factors among Patients with Wound Infection at Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. J Pathog. 2020 May 24; 2020: 3168325.
but aligns with studies from other parts of East Africa, such as Kenya (5.5%) and Tanzania (3.5%)
[10]
Auna AJ. Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Wards, Operating Room and Post-Operative Wound Infections Among Patients Attending Mama Lucy Hospital, Kenya [Master's Thesis]. Kenyatta University; 2021.
[11]
Mushi MF, Mshana SE, Imirzalioglu C, Bwanga F. Carbapenemase genes among multidrug resistant gram negative clinical isolates from a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. Biomed Res Int. 2014: 303104.
. These geographical and temporal variations in MRSA prevalence highlight the dynamic nature of antimicrobial resistance and reinforce the critical importance of continuous local surveillance to guide empirical therapy and infection control policies.
The multivariable analysis revealed several independent risk factors for MRSA infection. The exceptionally strong association between deep wounds and MRSA (AOR=28.53) is a particularly salient finding. Deep wounds often necessitate longer hospital stays, more frequent dressing changes, and invasive procedures like debridement, all of which increase opportunities for exposure to healthcare-associated pathogens
[12]
Percival SL, Suleman L, Vuotto C, Donelli G. Healthcare-associated infections, medical devices and biofilms: risk, tolerance and control. J Med Microbiol. 2015; 64(Pt 4): 323-34.
. Furthermore, the compromised vascularity and potential for biofilm formation in deep tissues can shield bacteria from host defenses and antimicrobial agents, creating a niche for resistant organisms to thrive
[13]
Malone M, Bjarnsholt T, McBain AJ, James GA, Stoodley P, Leaper D, et al. The prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. J Wound Care. 2017; 26(1): 20-5.
The significantly higher odds of MRSA among rural residents (AOR=9.11) suggest potential disparities in healthcare access and antibiotic usage patterns. Patients from rural areas might experience delays in seeking formal medical care, leading to more advanced infections upon presentation. They may also have greater reliance on non-prescription antibiotics or use incomplete courses of medication, practices known to drive the selection and spread of resistant bacteria
[14]
Gebretekle GB, Haile Mariam D, Abebe W, Amenu D, Teklu T, Taye B, et al. Opportunities and barriers to implementing antibiotic stewardship in low and middle-income countries: Lessons from a mixed-methods study in a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2018; 13(12): e0208447.
. The association with male gender has been documented in other settings and could be related to occupational hazards, risk-taking behaviors, or differences in health-seeking practices
[5]
Eshetie S, Tarekegn F, Moges F, Amsalu A, Birhan W, Huruy K. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ethiopia: a meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis. 2016; 16: 682.
The antimicrobial susceptibility profile reveals a concerning level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics like penicillin, clindamycin, and erythromycin among MRSA isolates, rendering them poor choices for empirical treatment. The preserved and universal susceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid is consistent with global reports and confirms their status as last-line agents. This finding underscores the paramount importance of implementing and enforcing antimicrobial stewardship programs to preserve the efficacy of these critical drugs.
5. Limitations
This study has several limitations. Its cross-sectional design precludes the determination of causal relationships between the identified risk factors and MRSA infection. The use of a consecutive sampling technique, though practical, may limit the generalizability of the findings to other patient populations or healthcare settings. The study was conducted in only two hospitals over a relatively short period, which may not capture seasonal variations in MRSA prevalence. Finally, the absence of molecular characterization of the MRSA strains means we cannot comment on their clonal relatedness or the specific genetic determinants of resistance, which would be valuable information for understanding transmission dynamics.
6. Conclusions
In conclusion, this study documents a considerable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections within the study setting. The identification of male gender, middle age, rural residence, and deep wounds as key risk factors provides a clear target for intervention. The high level of resistance to first-line antibiotics underscores the therapeutic challenges faced by clinicians.
7. Recommendations
Based on our findings, we recommend the following:
1) Enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Strengthen IPC measures with a particular focus on aseptic wound care practices and contact precautions for patients with deep wounds.
2) Targeted Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS): Implement AMS programs to promote the rational use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, based on local susceptibility data to prevent further emergence of resistance.
3) Robust Surveillance: Establish a continuous, laboratory-based surveillance system for MRSA and other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens to monitor trends and inform national treatment guidelines.
4) Community Health Education: Intensify public health education in rural communities on the importance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses, the dangers of self-medication, and the need for timely presentation of wounds for professional care.
Abbreviations
AMR
Antimicrobial Resistance
AOR
Adjusted Odds Ratio
AST
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
CI
Confidence Interval
CLSI
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
COR
Crude Odds Ratio
IPC
Infection Prevention and Control
MRSA
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
VRSA
Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the study participants, data collectors, and the staff and administrators of Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals for their cooperation and support throughout the research process.
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Data Availability Statement
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable require.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this research. The study was conducted independently, without commercial, financial, or political influence.
References
[1]
Turner NA, Sharma-Kuinkel BK, Maskarinec SA, Eichenberger EM, Shah PP, Carugati M, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an overview of basic and clinical research. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2019; 17(4): 203-18.
Cosgrove SE, Qi Y, Kaye KS, Harbarth S, Karchmer AW, Carmeli Y. The impact of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia on patient outcomes: mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2005; 26(2): 166-74.
Murray CJL, Ikuta KS, Sharara F, Swetschinski L, Aguilar GR, Gray A, et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. Lancet. 2022; 399(10325): 629-55.
Belete MA, Gedefie A, Alemayehu E, Debash H, Mohammed O, Gebretsadik D, et al. The prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2023; 22(1): 86.
Cong Y, Yang S, Rao X. Vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections: A review of case updating and clinical features. J Adv Res. 2020; 21: 169-76.
Mama M, Aklilu A, Misgna K, Tadesse M, Alemayehu E. Methicillin‐ and inducible clindamycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients with wound infection attending Arba Minch hospital, South Ethiopia. Int J Microbiol. 2019; 2019: 2965490.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. 30th ed. CLSI supplement M100. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2020.
[10]
Auna AJ. Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Wards, Operating Room and Post-Operative Wound Infections Among Patients Attending Mama Lucy Hospital, Kenya [Master's Thesis]. Kenyatta University; 2021.
[11]
Mushi MF, Mshana SE, Imirzalioglu C, Bwanga F. Carbapenemase genes among multidrug resistant gram negative clinical isolates from a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. Biomed Res Int. 2014: 303104.
Percival SL, Suleman L, Vuotto C, Donelli G. Healthcare-associated infections, medical devices and biofilms: risk, tolerance and control. J Med Microbiol. 2015; 64(Pt 4): 323-34.
Malone M, Bjarnsholt T, McBain AJ, James GA, Stoodley P, Leaper D, et al. The prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. J Wound Care. 2017; 26(1): 20-5.
Gebretekle GB, Haile Mariam D, Abebe W, Amenu D, Teklu T, Taye B, et al. Opportunities and barriers to implementing antibiotic stewardship in low and middle-income countries: Lessons from a mixed-methods study in a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2018; 13(12): e0208447.
Tsige Y, Tadesse S, G/Eyesus T, Tefera MM, Amsalu A, Menberu MA, Gelaw B. Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcusaureus and Associated Risk Factors among Patients with Wound Infection at Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. J Pathog. 2020 May 24; 2020: 3168325.
Tabour, A. R., Zemede, T., Seman, B. (2026). Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Medicine and Life Sciences, 1(1), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
Tabour, A. R.; Zemede, T.; Seman, B. Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Med. Life Sci.2026, 1(1), 55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
Tabour AR, Zemede T, Seman B. Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Med Life Sci. 2026;1(1):55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
@article{10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16,
author = {Asegid Regas Tabour and Tenaye Zemede and Busera Seman},
title = {Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia},
journal = {Medicine and Life Sciences},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {55-60},
doi = {10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.mls.20250101.16},
abstract = {Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes serious infections and withstands common antibiotics. It spreads in both hospitals and communities, making it a persistent and dangerous global health threat. Data on its prevalence and drivers in wound infections in Ethiopia, specially in the Sidama region, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and risk factors of MRSA isolated from wound infections. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals from June to July 2024. A total of 246 participants with wound infections were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Wound swabs were collected and processed for S. aureus following standard microbiological procedures. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin disk diffusion. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with MRSA. Results: Out of 246 participants, 76 (30.9%) were positive for S. aureus. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9% (12/246). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid but showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), clindamycin (66.7%), and erythromycin (50.0%). In the multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), age 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residence (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and deep wound infection (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81) were identified as independent predictors of MRSA. Conclusions: This study reveals a notable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections, with several modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control strategies, including targeted antimicrobial stewardship and robust surveillance systems, to curb the spread of MRSA in our healthcare settings.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia
AU - Asegid Regas Tabour
AU - Tenaye Zemede
AU - Busera Seman
Y1 - 2026/01/31
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
DO - 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
T2 - Medicine and Life Sciences
JF - Medicine and Life Sciences
JO - Medicine and Life Sciences
SP - 55
EP - 60
PB - Science Publishing Group
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
AB - Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes serious infections and withstands common antibiotics. It spreads in both hospitals and communities, making it a persistent and dangerous global health threat. Data on its prevalence and drivers in wound infections in Ethiopia, specially in the Sidama region, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and risk factors of MRSA isolated from wound infections. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals from June to July 2024. A total of 246 participants with wound infections were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Wound swabs were collected and processed for S. aureus following standard microbiological procedures. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin disk diffusion. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with MRSA. Results: Out of 246 participants, 76 (30.9%) were positive for S. aureus. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9% (12/246). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid but showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), clindamycin (66.7%), and erythromycin (50.0%). In the multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), age 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residence (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and deep wound infection (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81) were identified as independent predictors of MRSA. Conclusions: This study reveals a notable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections, with several modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control strategies, including targeted antimicrobial stewardship and robust surveillance systems, to curb the spread of MRSA in our healthcare settings.
VL - 1
IS - 1
ER -
Tabour, A. R., Zemede, T., Seman, B. (2026). Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Medicine and Life Sciences, 1(1), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
Tabour, A. R.; Zemede, T.; Seman, B. Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Med. Life Sci.2026, 1(1), 55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
Tabour AR, Zemede T, Seman B. Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia. Med Life Sci. 2026;1(1):55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
@article{10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16,
author = {Asegid Regas Tabour and Tenaye Zemede and Busera Seman},
title = {Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia},
journal = {Medicine and Life Sciences},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {55-60},
doi = {10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.mls.20250101.16},
abstract = {Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes serious infections and withstands common antibiotics. It spreads in both hospitals and communities, making it a persistent and dangerous global health threat. Data on its prevalence and drivers in wound infections in Ethiopia, specially in the Sidama region, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and risk factors of MRSA isolated from wound infections. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals from June to July 2024. A total of 246 participants with wound infections were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Wound swabs were collected and processed for S. aureus following standard microbiological procedures. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin disk diffusion. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with MRSA. Results: Out of 246 participants, 76 (30.9%) were positive for S. aureus. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9% (12/246). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid but showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), clindamycin (66.7%), and erythromycin (50.0%). In the multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), age 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residence (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and deep wound infection (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81) were identified as independent predictors of MRSA. Conclusions: This study reveals a notable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections, with several modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control strategies, including targeted antimicrobial stewardship and robust surveillance systems, to curb the spread of MRSA in our healthcare settings.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Risk Factors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Wound Infections at Two Hospitals in Sidama, Ethiopia
AU - Asegid Regas Tabour
AU - Tenaye Zemede
AU - Busera Seman
Y1 - 2026/01/31
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
DO - 10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
T2 - Medicine and Life Sciences
JF - Medicine and Life Sciences
JO - Medicine and Life Sciences
SP - 55
EP - 60
PB - Science Publishing Group
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mls.20250101.16
AB - Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes serious infections and withstands common antibiotics. It spreads in both hospitals and communities, making it a persistent and dangerous global health threat. Data on its prevalence and drivers in wound infections in Ethiopia, specially in the Sidama region, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and risk factors of MRSA isolated from wound infections. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral and Adare General Hospitals from June to July 2024. A total of 246 participants with wound infections were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Wound swabs were collected and processed for S. aureus following standard microbiological procedures. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin disk diffusion. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with MRSA. Results: Out of 246 participants, 76 (30.9%) were positive for S. aureus. The overall prevalence of MRSA was 4.9% (12/246). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid but showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), clindamycin (66.7%), and erythromycin (50.0%). In the multivariable analysis, male gender (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.08–3.46), age 31–45 years (AOR = 31.67, 95% CI: 3.26–307.16), rural residence (AOR = 9.11, 95% CI: 1.16–71.70), and deep wound infection (AOR = 28.53, 95% CI: 3.47–234.81) were identified as independent predictors of MRSA. Conclusions: This study reveals a notable prevalence of MRSA in wound infections, with several modifiable risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for reinforced infection prevention and control strategies, including targeted antimicrobial stewardship and robust surveillance systems, to curb the spread of MRSA in our healthcare settings.
VL - 1
IS - 1
ER -
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