مشخصات پژوهش

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of infections in both community and healthcare settings. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains are associated with longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of S. aureus isolates, their antibiotic resistance patterns, and the risk factors linked to mortality. Materials and methods: A total of 160 respiratory samples were collected from ICU wards in two hospitals in Tehran. S. aureus isolates were identified using biochemical and molecular methods, and antibiotic resistance was tested through disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Demographic data were recorded for analysis. Results: Out of the 30 positive isolates (18.75%), 14 (46.7%) isolates were identified as MRSA. The infected patients had a median age of 60.5 years, with 60% being male and 53.3% having underlying diseases. The total mortality rate was 50%. A significant association was found between the duration of ICU stay and mortality (P = 0.002), and vancomycin use was higher in MRSA cases (P = 0.007). Resistance rates for the isolates were 100% to penicillin, 70% to azithromycin, 63.3% to ofloxacin, and 56.7% to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The association between the duration of ICU stays and mortality highlights the need for improved management of S. aureus infections. This includes ongoing surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, and the implementation of effective infection control policies.