%0 Journal Article
%T Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospital-acquired infections in Ilam, Iran.
%A Karamolahi S
%A Kaviar VH
%A Haddadi MH
%A Hashemian M
%A Feizi J
%A Sadeghifard N
%A Khoshnood S
%J Mol Biol Rep
%V 51
%N 1
%D 2024 May 25
%M 38796602
%F 2.742
%R 10.1007/s11033-024-09580-9
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This research study was undertaken to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The study focuses on common microorganisms responsible for HAIs and explores emerging challenges posed by antimicrobial drug-resistant isolates.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A comprehensive analysis of 123 patients with HAIs, hospitalized in surgical department and intensive care unit (ICU) at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam, Iran, was conducted over a six-month period. Pathogenic bacterial isolates, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), were isolated and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The study findings revealed a significant prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, of which 73.3% were MRSA. Notably, 6.7% of S. aureus isolates exhibited resistance to vancomycin, indicating the emergence of VRSA. Respiratory infections were identified as the most prevalent HAI, constituting 34.67% of cases, often arising from extended ICU stays and invasive surgical procedures. Furthermore, patients aged 60 and above, particularly those associated with MDR, exhibited higher vulnerability to HAI.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This research sheds light on the intricate interplay between drug resistance and HAI, highlighting the imperative role of rational antibiotic use and infection control in addressing this critical healthcare challenge.