[Incidence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in neonatal care unit of departmental hospital centre of Zou Collines in Benin].
Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most important causes of nosocomial infections. It possesses a particular ability to spread in hospitals worldwide.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the proportion of MRSA among S. aureus isolated from specimen taken for diagnosis purposes. To make the medical staff aware of the problem of MRSA infections and to take a better care of patients.


METHODS
During 3 months, a prospective study was carried out in the neonatal unit of centre hospitalier départemental du Zou et Collines in Benin. We identified newborn carriers of SA, particularly MRSA and factors associated with the carriage. Two hundred and ninety patients were admitted in the 3 divisions of the neonatal unit. From 195 specimens examined for diagnosis purposes 48 h after hospitalization, 112 patients were detected by nose swabbing. Concurrently, swabbing of environment was achieved.


RESULTS
Among patients'specimens, 141 isolations of S. aureus were observed. The proportion of MRSA was 36% amongst diagnostic specimens. MRSA represented 39% of the environment specimens. None of the isolated MRSA produces Panton Valentine leukocidin.


CONCLUSIONS
Our survey revealed a high level of MRSA among S. aureus isolated from diagnostic specimens. Consecutive to such findings and for decreasing nosocomial infection, an appropriate prevention program was installed, including intensive promotion of hands hygiene, correct sterilization and disinfection of materials and patients.
Ahoyo
A-T
AT
Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, faculté des sciences et techniques, université d'Abomey-Calavi, 04 BP 0320 Cotonou, and Service de pédiatrie du centre hospitalier départemental du Zou et des Collines au Bénin.
Baba-Moussa
L
L
Makoutode
M
M
Gbohoun
A
A
Bossou
R
R
Dramane
K
K
Sanni
A
A
Prévost
G
G
D001541:Benin; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*