Phenotypic Detection of MRSA And ESBL Producing Bacteria with their Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern Isolated from Infected Wound Patients in Rajshahi Region

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are significant public health threats, both globally and locally, due to their multidrug resistance, including resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. Objective: This study aimed to detect MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria and analyze their antimicrobial resistance patterns in infected wound patients from the Rajshahi region. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018, collecting wound swabs from surgical units at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Specimens were cultured on blood agar, nutrient agar, and MacConkey’s agar, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Bacterial susceptibility was tested using the modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. MRSA was identified by Cefoxitin disk diffusion, and ESBL-producing bacteria were detected via the disk diffusion test. Results: Out of 250 samples, 213 (85.2%) yielded bacterial growth, identifying a total of 231 bacterial isolates. Among these, 136 (58.8%) were gram-negative, and 95 (41.2%) were gram-positive. Females were more predominant (146, 58.4%) compared to males (104, 41.6%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4. The most common isolate was S. aureus (71, 30.8%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47, 20.3%). Of the S. aureus isolates, 53.5% were MRSA. Additionally, 41.3% of gram-negative isolates were ESBL producers, with high resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (65%) and carbapenems (40%). Conclusions: MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria pose significant resistance challenges in wound infections in Rajshahi.