The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of MRSA by cefoxitin disc diffusion test and confirmation by mecA gene identification. A total of 86 isolates of S.aureus were obtained from various clinical specimens of patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Cefoxitin disc diffusion test was performed using cefoxitin 30µg disc and sensitivity pattern studied as per CLSI guidelines.  mecA gene identification was done by conventional PCR. Out of 86 isolates, 41 (47%) were found to be MRSA by cefoxitin disc diffusion test, which was confirmed by mecA gene identification using conventional PCR. All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and showed higher resistance to Ampicillin (93.9%), Erythromycin (90.9%), Co-trimoxazole (87.87%), Ciprofloxacin (84.84%), Gentamicin (84.84%), Cephalexin (81.81%) and Cefotaxime (81.81%). This study showed higher prevalence of MRSA in our hospital. Measures to control hospital acquired infection by implementation of rational clinical practices and regular surveillance of MRSA is the need of the hour.

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