High Nasal Carriage of MRSA Among Healthcare Workers Requires Improved Infection Control Measures
Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of infections in both the community and hospital. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus continues to be an important nosocomial pathogen and infections are often difficult to manage due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Healthcare workers are important source of nosocomial transmission of MRSA. This study by Khanal et al. (2015) aimed to determine the nasal carriage rate of S. aureus and MRSA among healthcare workers at Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Nepal and to determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates.
A cross-sectional study involving 204 healthcare workers was conducted. Nasal swabs were collected and cultured on Mannitol salt agar. Mannitol fermenting colonies which were gram positive cocci, catalase positive and coagulase positive were identified as S. aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Methicillin resistance was detected using cefoxitin disc diffusion method.
Of 204 healthcare workers, 32 (15.7%) were nasal carriers of S. aureus and among them 7 (21.9%) were carrier of MRSA. Overall nasal carriage rate of MRSA was 3.4% (7/204). Highest MRSA nasal carriage rate of 7.8% (4/51) was found among nurses. Healthcare workers of both surgical wards and operating room accounted for 28.6% (2/7) of MRSA carriers each. Among MRSA isolates inducible clindamycin resistance was observed in 66.7% (2/3) of erythromycin resistant isolates.
The researchers conclude that high nasal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA among healthcare workers (especially in surgery ward and operating room) necessitates improved infection control measures to be employed to control MRSA transmission in our setting. Their research was published in Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control.
Reference: Khanal R, Sah P, Lamichhane P, Lamsal A, Upadhaya S and Pahwa VK. Nasal carriage of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital in Western Nepal. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2015, 4:39 doi:10.1186/s13756-015-0082-3
The Guardians of Animal Health: Who Are Veterinary Infection Preventionists?
March 21st 2025Veterinary infection control experts Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Denise Waiting, LVT, and Leslie Landis, LVT, BS, discuss challenges, zoonotic disease risks, and the importance of education, collaboration, and resource development in animal care facilities.
The Latest on CLABSIs and CAUTIs: Evidence-Based Approaches for Infection Prevention
February 27th 2025Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.
Resilience and Innovation: The Pivotal Contributions of Black Americans to Health Care and Medicine
February 24th 2025During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.
