Dissertation
The MDR S. aureus is a significant nosocomial pathogen and has been associated with
significant morbidity and mortality in the world. In hospital settings, pathogens, such as
multidrug resistance (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus can be transmitted via health care
workers (HCWs), patients, and visitors resulting in hospital-associated infections that are
difficult to treat. This was a cross-sectional study, comparing carriage and pattern of drug
resistant S. aureus between patients and equipment in the hospital. The study involved
sampling of patients and environment at MRRH. It undertook the following: isolation of
S. aureus, gram staining, catalase test (slide test), coagulase test, antibiotic susceptibility
of isolated S. aureus, D Test, MRSA detection and questionnaire survey. An assessment
was done on the distribution of Staphylococcus aureus based on age and gender and the
risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus in the hospital. Also, antibiotic
susceptibility test of isolated Staphylococcus aureus was done and from the questionnaire
survey, assessment of awareness and perception among patients at the Morogoro Regional
Referral Hospital (MRRH) was done. Results of this research highlighted the burden and
pattern of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the hospital and can be used as a model to
further collect data in Tanzania on MRSA and essentially provide an insight into the
magnitude of the problem. A higher prevalence of MRSA was observed in patients
compared to the environment around the hospital, making it significantly different.