Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant worldwide health challenge associated
with prolonged illnesses, increased healthcare costs, and high mortality rates. The present study
examined the patterns and predictors of AMR among human Staphylococcus isolates obtained from
diagnostic laboratories in South Africa between 2012 and 2017. This study examined data from
404 217 isolates, assessing resistance rates across different characteristics such as age, sample origin,
Staphylococcus species, and study period. The highest resistance was observed against cloxacillin
(70.3%), while the lowest resistance was against Colistin (0.1%). A significant (p < 0.05) decreasing
trend in AMR was observed over the study period, while a significant increasing temporal trend
(p < 0.05) was observed for multidrug resistance (MDR) over the same period. A significant (p < 0.05)
association was observed between specimen type, species of organism, and year of isolation with
AMR outcome. Significant (p < 0.05) associations were observed between specimen type and season
with MDR. The observed high levels of AMR and a growing trend in MDR are concerning for public
health. Clinicians should take these findings into account when deciding on therapeutic options.
Continued monitoring of AMR among Staphylococcus spp. and judicious use of antimicrobials in
human medicine should be promoted.
Description:
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data supporting this study’s findings are available upon reasonable
request and subject to specific conditions. For data access inquiries, including requests for collaboration
or data-sharing agreements, please contact Thomas Papo, data analyst, at thomas.papo@nhls.ac.za.
Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the request’s nature, compliance with
relevant regulations, and any associated agreements or protocols.
