Antibiotic resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated fromhealth facilities in Conakry

Introduction : Staphylococcus aureus is a major public health issue, particularly due to the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Little data are available on the resistance profile of Guinea. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, phenotypic distribution, and factors associated with the resistance of S. aureus strains isolated in Conakry. Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024 atfour microbiological diagnostic facilities in Conakry. A total of 238 clinical specimens positive for S. aureus were included. Isolations were identified by conventional and Vitek2 methods, and sensitivity profiles were established according to CASFM/EUCAST recommendations. Sociodemographic and microbiological data were analyzed with SPSS 26. Proportions were compared by chi-square or Fisher's exact test, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results : Among the 238 isolates, 68.1% were MRSA, 21.8% were penicillinase producers and 10.1% were wild-type strains. Resistance to penicillin G was almost universal (99%), and resistance to oxacillin (79%), tetracycline (72%) and ciprofloxacin (50%) was high. Glycopeptides (vancomycin 99% sensitivity), linezolid and tigecycline remained active. The incidenceof MRSA was significantly greater in the hospital setting (74.2%) than in the community setting (57.5%; p = 0.027). Penicillinase producers were evenly distributed, while wild strains were rare (12.6% in the community vs. 8.6% in hospitals). Conclusion : The high prevalence of MRSA infection, particularly in hospital settings, combined with significant circulation in the community underlines the urgency of strengthening integrated hospital-community surveillance, improving infection control and promoting the rational use of antibiotics in Guinea.