NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA CAUSED BY METHICILLIN

RESISTANCE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

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A Journal Review Paper submitted to the

Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science Department
San Pedro College of Davao
12 C. Guzman St. Davao City

Submitted by
Dave Michael C. Marimon
Group 4 Histopathology and Cytology
San Pedro Hospital

December 2015

INTRODUCTION

Nosocomial infections that are infections acquired in hospitals are

becoming a serious concern globally due to the severe complications and
outcomes caused by them. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is one
of the major causes of nosocomial infections worldwide, though there are
other bacteria implicated in such infections. It is the strongest resistance
faced during the last century and it still represents a serious threat to health
in our present time. MRSA is dangerous because of bacterial genetic
plasticity that allows them to acquire genetic materials that help them fight
antibiotics. MRSA has been detected since the 1990s, but still there are few
and random studies concerning this issue compared to the rest of the world.
Control and prevention measures must be strictly applied to avoid these
infections from occurring and also there is an urgent need to upgrade to
more sophisticated and targeted control measures to combat bacterial
resistance that poses to be a major threat to mankind.

This study talks about what nosocomial infections and what bacteria
that could cause nosocomial infections. It also talks about the Methicillin
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus intensively and how it caused a problem in
the study conducted in Saudi Arabia.
The researchers conducted several studies about MRSA in different
places in Saudi Arabia. The isolated MRSA were found in different sites
supported from the different hospitals. They also noted the patients that
were most commonly affected. According to the studies, the isolated MRSA
were most commonly found in wounds. It is interesting to note that the
researchers found that in 84.2% of the cases, nosocomial infection occurred
and it affected all age groups. Highest rates of MRSA were in intensive care
units, then comes the medical wards, and from the surgical wards. They
have identified the commonest sites of infection and these were as follows;
surgical wounds, chest, and central venous catheters. The types of infections
found were urinary tract, wound and blood which accounted for more than
70% of the infections. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
caused more than 90% of the infections. Most of the bacteria found were
multi-drug resistant. Although, the types of MRSA strains present in many
countries has been identified, no data regarding strains types related to the
Middle East or Arab countries were found. Among the major five regions of
Saudi Arabia, MRSA prevalence rates varied dramatically.
Based on the data they have presented in this study, MRSA really
presents a significant problem among the patients. Proper precaution must
be well implemented in order to lessen or if possible to avoid the infection.
Protection and prevention against nosocomial infections start with
continuous surveillance. There is a real problem which is faced everywhere
and the need for effective solutions is increasing to ensure the effectiveness
of current antibiotics regime. I would conduct proposals for solution that
includes the development of new antibiotics effective against the resistant
organisms, or vaccination against infection, and careful use of antibiotics to
avoid resistance development. All physicians must be cautious when
prescribing antibiotics to avoid the development of resistant strains. Some
simple steps could also help in avoiding nosocomial infections. Starting from
proper hygiene that includes thorough washing of hands. Wounds or bruises
must be sanitized and covered with bandages. Avoiding sharing of personal
items and all other ways related for protection. These simple ways could
greatly help to protect the patient against nosocomial infections.