| dc.description.abstract | Background: Colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is recognized as an
association towards development of infections that may cause of morbidity among people living with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV). We report on the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and risk factors
associated with MRSA carriage among PLWHIV at Nyenga hospital, Buikwe district in central Uganda.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLWHIV attending Nyenga hospital
anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic. Nasopharyngeal swab was collected from each participant, cultured to isolate
Staphylococcus aureus, and drug susceptibility testing (DST) performed. Sociodemographic data and medical
history was recorded.
Results: We enrolled 219 PLWHIV; of these, 58.4% (N=128) were females. The majority of participants
(95.0%) were on ART. Ninety-eight (44.75%) of the nasopharyngeal swabs had growth, of which 41 (41.84%)
were S. aureus. Of these, 11 (5.02%, 95% confidence interval: 3.67-7.02) were MRSA. Of 41 isolated S. aureus
strains, only 8 (19.51%) were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. A total of three (7.32%) were multi-drug
resistant (MDR), while one1 (2.43%) was a possible extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain. Deteriorating
immunologic state as indicated by a low CD4 count showed a significant association with the MRSA colonization.
Conclusion: These results are reassuring that MRSA colonization is high among PLWHIV. As most of the
antibiotics in use were resistant, it raises concerns of intricate clinical management in a low resource set up. | en_US |
