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Main Article Content
Antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates from South Africa
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are regularly
investigated in many countries, but minimal countrywide
data are available for South Africa. The aim of this study was
to describe the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of MRSA
isolates collected in South Africa.
Design. Susceptibility testing of 248 MRSA isolates collected
from 15 National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and
8 private laboratories against 17 antibiotics was performed
using the disc diffusion method. Demographic data were
collected and correlated with antibiotic resistance patterns.
Results. Antibiotic resistance of MRSA to erythromycin,
tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin
and ciprofloxacin ranged between 55% and 78%, while all
isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin, linezolid, vancomycin
and quinopristin/dalfopristin. A significant difference in the
resistance pattern of the isolates towards certain antimicrobial
agents was identified among adults and children, as well
as between isolates collected from the private and NHLS
laboratories.
Conclusion. This is the first extensive report on the
antimicrobial susceptibilities of South African MRSA isolates.
These data can assist treatment decisions and form a baseline
for further surveillance.
