Introduction: Mupirocin is used to decolonize methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. Resistance to mupirocin is mediated by the mupA gene. MRSA have a highpropensity of acquiring resistance to mupirocin. Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CONS) are thought to be reservoirs for several resistance genes including mupA. Hence, this study was undertaken the mechanism of mupirocin resistance among clinical isolates of Staphylococci.

Materials and Methods: A total of 336 clinical isolates of Staphylococci were included in this study. Methicillin was detected by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Low and High mupirocin resistance was detected using 5µg and 200µg disc. Presence of mupA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Among the 336 Staphylococci of the current study, 133 were Staphylococcus aureus and 203 were CONS. A total of 85 isolates which included 29 low level and 56 high level mupirocin resistant isolates. Only 53 isolates harbored the mupA gene.

Conclusion: Mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and CONS, should be monitored vigilantly. Prudent use of mupirocin and strengthening execution of infection control measures should be mandated to curtail the spread of resistance.