Prevalence And Epidemiological Characteristics Of Healthcare-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) In Primary Healthcare Centers In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia A Narrative Literature-Based Analysis Of Published National Evidence

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to be a major cause of infections linked to healthcare settings and presents a serious threat to patient safety and infection prevention. The frequency and epidemiological features of healthcare-associated MRSA are described in this paper by synthesizing available data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with special attention on basic healthcare facilities. With pooled estimates ranging from roughly 8.6% to 17.0%, national systematic reviews and meta-analyses revealed significant variation in MRSA prevalence across healthcare settings, with greater rates recorded in specific geographic locations and clinical contexts. A possible reservoir for transmission at the community–healthcare interface was indicated by evidence from outpatient and primary healthcare settings that showed significant MRSA colonization, including a reported nasal carriage rate of 25% among primary healthcare center attendance. Significant MRSA carriage was found in studies involving healthcare personnel, underscoring their part in promoting the virus's transmission within medical institutions. Additionally, hospital-based surveillance data revealed rising MRSA trends over time, especially among patients with chronic comorbidities and in surgical wards. When taken as a whole, the results highlight the fact that MRSA is relevant in primary healthcare settings as well as hospitals. To lessen MRSA transmission and aid in national antibiotic resistance management initiatives, these findings highlight the necessity of improved infection prevention and control protocols, consistent surveillance, and focused interventions in primary healthcare facilities.