Bacteriophage Typing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Changing Trend in their Antibiotic Profile.

Background: Increasing prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major pathogen in both health care facilities and community, is an escalating public health concern. Knowledge of prevalence of MRSA and their current antimicrobial profile becomes necessary in the selection of appropriate empirical treatment of these infections. Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of MRSA & to evaluate its antibiotic sensitivity pattern and to determine Bacteriophage typing for epidemiological purposes. Methods: A total of 182 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, collected over a period of two years, were screened by various phenotypic assays. Randomly selected 50 MRSA isolates were sent to Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, for Bacteriophage typing. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Results: Among the 182 isolates, 120(65.93 %) were identified as MRSA & 62(34.07 %) were identified as MSSA by various phenotypic methods. 50 isolates was sent for PhageTyping. 42(84%) strains were typable. 35(70%) strains belonged to phage III, 1(2%) to phage group II, 6(12%) to more than one phage groups. More than70% strains were resistant to Co-Trimoxazole, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin, but were highly sensitive to Chloramphenicol and Clindamycin. 100% sensitivity was observed with Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Linezolid. Conclusion: It is alarming that the present study reports a high prevalence (65.94%) of MRSA infection. In our study, 70% of the MRSA isolates belong to group III Phage, especially phage no.47. Despite the glycopeptides, Chloramphenicol, and preferably Clindamycin can be used to treat Staphylococcus infections.