MRSA prevalence in Indonesia is 41%, rising to 59% in recent yearsMRSA found in 41% of Indonesian samples

Frontiers in Medicine Published August 7, 2026 Study authors: Dita Artanti, Deivan Pradana Putra, Fitrotin Azizah, Abdul Rahman Siregar, Diah Ariana, Nastiti Kart… DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Consider MRSA prevalence high in Indonesia, especially respiratory samples, but interpret with caution due to heterogeneity.

This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 24 studies comprising 4,920 Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Indonesia to estimate the pooled prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The overall pooled prevalence was 41% (95% CI: 27%–56%), indicating a substantial burden of MRSA in the country. The analysis also examined temporal trends, showing that MRSA prevalence in recent years increased to 59%, suggesting sustained endemic transmission and possibly worsening resistance patterns.

Subgroup analyses by specimen type revealed that respiratory tract samples had the highest MRSA prevalence at 44%, followed by blood samples at 37%, and wound specimens at 25%. These findings highlight the variability in MRSA distribution across different clinical sites, with respiratory infections being particularly affected. Regional distribution was also noted, though specific regional data were not detailed in the summary.

The authors report high heterogeneity (I² > 99%) across the included studies, which limits the precision of the pooled estimates. This heterogeneity likely stems from differences in study populations, laboratory methods, and regional infection control practices. The meta-analysis does not provide clinical outcomes for patients, so the direct impact of this high prevalence on morbidity and mortality remains unclear.

For clinicians, these findings underscore the importance of local surveillance data and antimicrobial stewardship in Indonesia. The high and rising MRSA prevalence, especially in respiratory samples, suggests that empirical antibiotic choices should consider MRSA coverage in relevant settings. However, given the heterogeneity, these estimates should be interpreted with caution and validated against local data.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis confirms and extends prior coverage on MRSA in Indonesia, showing a high pooled prevalence of 41% (95% CI 27%–56%) and a recent increase to 59%. It aligns with earlier discussions on MRSA biofilm challenges and vancomycin monitoring, reinforcing the need for robust infection control. The high heterogeneity (I² > 99%) underscores the complexity of MRSA epidemiology, similar to limitations noted in prior reviews.

A new analysis of 24 studies from Indonesia found that MRSA, a type of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria, is present in 41% of samples tested. This suggests a high burden of the superbug across the country. The analysis included 4,920 samples from various sites and regions, making it a broad look at the situation.

In recent years, the prevalence appears to have increased, with 59% of samples from more recent studies testing positive for MRSA. This upward trend is concerning, though the reasons for it are not clear from this analysis. The study also found that MRSA was most common in respiratory tract samples (44%), followed by blood (37%) and wound specimens (25%).

However, this analysis has significant limitations. The studies varied widely, and the statistical measure of this variability was very high, meaning the results should be interpreted with caution. Also, the analysis does not provide information on patient outcomes, so it cannot tell us how many people became ill or died from MRSA.

For the public, this study highlights that MRSA is a serious problem in Indonesia, but it does not change current treatment or prevention recommendations. If you have concerns about MRSA, talk to your doctor.

What this means for you:

MRSA is common in Indonesia, but this analysis doesn't prove it causes illness or change treatment.

Common questions

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many common antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. It can cause skin and other infections.

How common is MRSA in Indonesia?

According to this analysis, MRSA was found in 41% of samples from 24 studies across Indonesia. The prevalence varied by region and specimen type, with respiratory samples showing the highest rate at 44%.

Is MRSA becoming more common in Indonesia?

The analysis suggests that MRSA prevalence may be increasing. In recent years, the prevalence was 59%, compared to the overall rate of 41%. However, this finding comes from a limited number of studies and should be interpreted cautiously.

What are the limitations of this study?

The main limitation is high heterogeneity, meaning the studies varied greatly in their methods and results. This makes it hard to draw firm conclusions. Also, the analysis does not report patient outcomes, so it doesn't tell us how many people got sick or died from MRSA.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedAug 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance globally, yet national-level evidence in Indonesia is fragmented. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and evaluate the epidemiological distribution of MRSA across Indonesia. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261300013). PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Garuda databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and January 2026. Observational studies reporting MRSA prevalence in Indonesia were included. Data were extracted independently, and pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I² statistics, Begg’s test, and Egger’s test. A total of 24 studies comprising 4,920 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were included. The pooled prevalence of MRSA was 41% (95% CI: 27%–56%), indicating a substantial burden. Temporal analysis showed an increasing trend, with prevalence reaching 59% in recent years. Specimen-based analysis revealed the highest prevalence in respiratory tract samples (44%), followed by blood (37%) and wound specimens (25%). Regional disparities were observed, with higher prevalence in North Sumatra and several provinces outside Java. Heterogeneity was high across studies (I² > 99%), while no significant publication bias was detected. MRSA prevalence in Indonesia remains high and demonstrates sustained endemic transmission with regional variability. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance systems, and infection control strategies is essential to mitigate the growing burden of MRSA. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD420261300013.

MRSA prevalence in Indonesia is 41%, rising to 59% in recent yearsMRSA found in 41% of Indonesian samples

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

Study Details

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MRSA prevalence in Indonesia is 41%, rising to 59% in recent yearsMRSA found in 41% of Indonesian samples

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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