Background/Objective: There is a deep concern about the rapid rise in resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial agents. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which pose challenges to the medical community. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Methods: Charts of patients with MRSA growths were reviewed upon their admission. The sensitivity pattern, demographic profile and risk factors were noted. Results: Out of the 637 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA had a prevalence rate of 38.6% (n=246), while Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) had 61.4% (n=391). The prevalence rate of health-care associated MRSA was 2% (n=5). The majority of the specimens sent for culture were wound/abscess (70% of pediatric and 76% of adult patients isolates). All MRSA growths were resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefuroxime and amikacin. Local MRSA strains were still susceptible to ciprofloxacin (82.3%), clindamycin (90.6%), erythromycin (91.5%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (85.9%). There was no resistance to linezolid and vancomycin. Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was not isolated. The mortality rate on both pediatric and adult population was 2.1% and 4.8%, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of MRSA is increasing. Clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole- trimethoprim and vancomycin are excellent treatment options treat MRSA.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Vancomycin