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Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major global health concern due to its multidrug resistance and high morbidity in hospital and community infections. In Nigeria, limited molecular surveillance hinders accurate epidemiological assessment. This study investigated the prevalence, antibiotic resistance profiles, and molecular characteristics of MRSA isolated from clinical specimens in tertiary hospitals in Anambra State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. Four hundred specimens were cultured on Mannitol Salt and Blood Agar (Oxoid™), and S. aureus identification was confirmed using Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, and API® Staph (BioMérieux™). Antibiotic susceptibility testing followed CLSI (2023) standards, while the mecA gene was detected by PCR using Qiagen™ and BioMérieux™ reagents. Of 400 samples, S. aureus was isolated from 112 (28%), and MRSA was identified in 56.2% of these isolates. The mecA gene was detected in 93.6% of phenotypic MRSA. High resistance rates were recorded for erythromycin (78.6%) and tetracycline (73.8%), while vancomycin and linezolid remained fully effective. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved molecular diagnostics, antibiotic stewardship, and regional MRSA surveillance to mitigate spread and optimize therapy. Keywords: MRSA; Staphylococcus aureus; antimicrobial resistance; molecular detection; Anambra State; Nigeria