ABSTRACT
Objective: To identify the clinical variables that differentiate MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) from MSSA (Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus) infection. Methods: Cases having culture isolates of Staphylococcus species were recruited. Baseline and other laboratory parameters were compared between MSSA and MRSA sub-groups to identify the predictors for MRSA. Results: Out of 98 isolates of S.aureus, 46 (47%) were MRSA. Significant leukocytosis was found in cases with MRSA (P <0.03). None of the other clinical variables could differentiate MRSA from MSSA infection. Conclusion: Presence of leukocytosis was twice more likely to predict MRSA than MSSA at admission. Empiric therapy must be guided by antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of regional culture isolates.