Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) among Health Care Workers

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to represent one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare systems due to its ability to cause persistent infections and resist multiple antibiotics. Health care workers (HCWs) are recognized as important reservoirs and vectors for the transmission of MRSA within clinical environments. Accurate phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MRSA in this occupational group is essential to understand its prevalence, clonal distribution, and associated risks. Phenotypic methods, including selective culture media, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and confirmatory assays such as latex agglutination for PBP2a, provide frontline detection of MRSA. Meanwhile, molecular techniques target mecA/mecC genes, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) offer valuable insights into resistance mechanisms, virulence determinants, and epidemiological linkages. This review synthesizes evidence on the characterization of MRSA among HCWs, emphasizing prevalence trends, clonal dynamics, and the role of infection control measures. The discussion highlights significant gaps in global surveillance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and stresses the need for integrating genomic tools into routine practice. Overall, phenotypic and genotypic approaches complement each other in addressing MRSA control and guiding decolonization strategies in healthcare environments.