A Systematic Review of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Prevalence in Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
MRSA, Antibiotic Resistance, Infection Control, Saudi Arabia, Healthcare Interventions, Clinical Trials.Abstract
Introduction:
The clinical implications of MRSA are profound, affecting patient outcomes and healthcare resources. In Saudi hospitals, MRSA infections have been associated with increased hospital stay lengths, higher treatment costs, and elevated morbidity and mortality rates. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of MRSA in Saudi Arabia, assess the associated risk factors, and understand its clinical implications.
Methods:
The review focused exclusively on interventional studies published within the last 15 years, a timeframe chosen to ensure the relevance and currency of the data. To initiate the literature search, a series of specific search terms were employed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to refine the search results. Studies were included if they were interventional studies focusing on MRSA prevalence in Saudi Arabia, published in peer-reviewed journals, and written in English or Arabic with English translations available. The age of the study participants was not restricted to allow for a broad understanding of MRSA prevalence across different demographic groups. Exclusion criteria were applied to studies that were not interventional, not focused on MRSA, conducted outside of Saudi Arabia, published more than 15 years ago, or lacking in peer-reviewed status.
Results:
this systematic review offers important insights into the effectiveness of various interventions against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Saudi Arabia. The review found a range of risk reductions from the included interventions, with hand hygiene programs showing up to a 40% reduction in MRSA prevalence, antibiotic stewardship programs achieving a 35% decrease, and the use of novel antiseptic agents leading to a 50% reduction in postoperative MRSA infections. Educational interventions and comprehensive hospital policies also demonstrated significant impact, with reductions ranging from 20% to 55%.
Conclusions:
The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach in the fight against MRSA, offering valuable guidance for healthcare professionals and policymakers in developing effective strategies to manage this persistent public health challenge.
