Molecular Detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Catheterized Patients at the Urology Clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto

Abstract

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major cause of 
morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, with Staphylococcus aureus 
particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerging as a 
significant pathogen. This study investigated the molecular detection and 
antibiotic resistance profile of MRSA isolated from urine samples of catheterized 
patients. A total of 191 urine samples were collected and processed using 
standard microbiological methods. S. aureus was isolated on mannitol salt agar 
and confirmed by catalase and coagulase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing 
was carried out using the disc diffusion method, and molecular identification of 
MRSA was performed by PCR detection of the mecA gene. Out of the 191 
samples, 123 (64.4%) yielded S. aureus, with a higher prevalence among 
females (65.9%) compared to males (34.1%). Socio-demographic analysis 
revealed higher isolation rates in the 29–39 age group and among married 
individuals. Of the 123 S. aureus isolates, 63 (51.2%) were confirmed as MRSA, 
with females, rural residents, and married individuals being the most affected. 
Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed universal resistance to cefoxitin, high 
resistance to ciprofloxacin (55.6%), ofloxacin (52.4%), and penicillin (93.7%), 
while comparatively better activity was observed with levofloxacin (46.0% 
sensitivity) and ceftriaxone (42.9% sensitivity). Molecular detection revealed that 
49 (77.8%) of the 63 MRSA isolates carried the mecA gene. The high prevalence 
of MRSA and multidrug resistance observed underscores the need for continuous 
surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and implementation of molecular diagnostics 
in routine hospital laboratories. The findings highlight the urgent necessity for 
effective infection control strategies, particularly in catheterized patients who are 
at greater risk of MRSA infections