Von Janatius A. Piñano, Vincent Anthony S. Tang (February 2010)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global threat as a nosocomial pathogen, causing a wide array of infections and diseases. Data on MRSA in Iloilo City are scarce indicating a need for additional documentation on the current situation.
This study determined the prevalence of MRSA from preschoolers who attended 18 daycare centers in Mandurriao, Iloilo City during school year 2008-2009. The number of MRSA cases and the susceptibility of MRSA isolates to 15 antibiotics were determined. Three hundred eleven preschoolers were randomly selected. Nasal swabs were collected on April 2009. Specimen were grown on Mannitol Salt Agar with Cefoxitin and confirmed through biochemical tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction to detect the mecA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done on confirmed MRSA cases by Kirby-Bauer Method.
Fourteen out of 311 preschoolers are positive for MRSA. Of these, 57% are male, majority are 4 or 5 years old (78%), and had taken prescribed medication (86%). All MRSA isolates from these 14 cases are resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin. One case is resistant to linezolid, the drug of choice against MRSA. Nine out of the 14 cases are resistant to nine to 11 antibiotics.
Ten of the 18 daycare centers in Mandurriao, Iloilo City had at least one MRSA case.
The prevalence of MRSA among preschoolers who attended 18 daycare centers in Mandurriao, Iloilo City is 4.5%.
Knowledge on the prevalence of MRSA and an effective antibiotic regimen guide clinicians to combat and control MRSA in their community.