Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality in healthcare organization and in community. The aim of the study was to find out the current prevalence of MRSA and to demonstrate antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA and Methicillin- sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) among health care workers. Nasal swabs were collected from 300 healthcare workers (112 doctors and188 nurses). Identification of the isolate as Staphylococcus aureus was done using Gram stain, coagulase test and Catalase test. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were confirmed as MRSA using cefoxitin (30μg) disc by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. From 300 nasal swabs, 250 coagulase negative Staphylococci, 40MSSAand 10 MRSA were isolated. Overall rate of isolation of MRSA and MSSA among healthcare workers was found to be 3% and 13% respectively. All the 10 MRSA strains screened from health care workers were resistant to Penicillin and Cefoxitin and were sensitive to four drugs viz. Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, Gentamicin and Linezolid. All 40 isolates of MSSA were resistant to Penicillin however, 100% sensitivity was observed to three drugs viz. Cefoxitin, Vancomycin and linezolid.
