ABSTRACT

The prevalence of Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus isolated from the nostrils, vaginal and urine of practical year students of Michael Okpara University, Umudike Nigeria was investigated. Three eighty(80) specimens was collected from 40 male and 40 female students and cultured on appropriate bacteriological media. The bacterial isolates (S. aureus) were identified by standard biochemical tests. The MRSA was determined using Oxacillin antibiotic disk. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was performed according to Clinical Laboratory Standard testing Institute (CLSI) guidelines.Of the 80 samples collected and screened, a total 47 (58.7%) of the isolates were found to be S. aureus based on morphology and biochemical tests. The result showed the prevalence rate of S. aureus in males to be 22.5% and Females (36.3%). The incidence rate from female to male individuals were 29 (36.3%) and 18 (22.5%) respectively. The prevalence rate/colonization of MRSA among healthy individuals in the community of the S. aureus isolated was 47 (58.7%). The antibiotic resistant pattern of the MRSA isolates was: Augmentin 45 (95.7%), > Gentamycin12 (25.5), Cotrimoxazole 26 (55.3),%) >Erythromycin 43 (82.9%),>Ofloxacin 3(6.3%),> Ampicillin 45 (95.7%), >Tetracycline 39 (82.9), > Ceftriaxone29 (57.5 %). The MRSA isolates showed resistance to oxacillin with an interpretative diameter of S>20; R< 15. The result showed that the number of positive MRSA in the samples as Nasal 4(8.51%), Urine 9 (19.1%) and HVS (8.51%)respectively.This study showed a highprevalence of MRSA carriage in female practical year students  indicating the spread of MRSA in the community.