ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS IN HOSPITAL-ACQIURED INFECTIONS OF staphylococcus aureus IN CHILDREN IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA.

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health crisis, making oncetreatable infections dangerous again. This problem is particularly severe in hospital settings, where the frequent use of antibiotics and the concentration of sick patients create an ideal environment for drug-resistant bacteria to spread. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospital-acquired infections in children at a tertiary hospital in Benin City. Using a cross-sectional design, clinical samples from 67 pediatric patients were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus isolation, susceptibility testing via Kirby-Bauer method, and MRSA detection with cefoxitin. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (50% of isolates), with 53.1% multidrugresistant and 30.4% MRSA; high resistance noted to erythromycin (70%) and amikacin (73.1%), but full susceptibility to meropenem and piperacillin; male predominance (67.2%) and older adolescents as largest group (33.3%).These findings highlight alarming AMR levels in pediatric HAIs, aligning with SSA trends and underscoring gaps in empirical therapy. Urgent stewardship and surveillance are needed to curb resistance and improve outcomes.