Nadia. E. Al-Abdli^1,, Saleh.H. Baiu²

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections, where healthcare workers (HCWs) are vectors of transmission. In addition to exposure to healthcare workers who may be as carriers, exposure to contaminated rooms can also be a risk factor. The hospital environment, especially surfaces, represents a secondary reservoir for pathogens such as S. aureus, and represent a challenge to infection control practices in most countries. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of MRSA in hospitals of Benghazi, Libya, Sounding the alarm of the presence of large hospitals infection in Benghazi and probably are in the grip of endemic problems with resistant organisms. Methods: The 395 swabs were collected from hospital surfaces such as surfaces of frequently handled items (beds, sinks, door handles, floors, and table surfaces). The surface swabs were collected at the different wards of the hospital Medical units, ICU and HCWs rooms. Results: Highest rate was in ICU followed by medical units and dialysis wards (9.5%, 7.8%, and 5% respectively ). Conclusion: MRSA strains prevalence in Benghazi City. was high and this may be the case for other hospitals in Libya. A sound surveillance program of nosocomial infections is urgently needed to reduce the incidence of infections due to MRSA and other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in Libyan hospitals.

hospital environment, Nosocomial infection, MRSA strains