Tavatchai jariyasethpong M.D., Nalinwan Wongsawat M.D.

Abstract

Background: Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an important nosocomial pathogen, has been described as a risk factor for subsequent MRSA infection.  This study was assigned to find the incidence and risk factors for hospital-acquired MRSA colonization which was done in general medicine wards of Rajavithi Hospital.

Methods: Patients admitted to 4 general medicine wards were evaluated.  Anterior nares samples were obtained for culture within 48 hours of admission, at 3 days, and weekly after hospitalization. The probable risk factors for nasal carriage were recorded for assessment.

Results: HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA were found in 59 (16%) of 364 patients and 25 (7%) of 364 patients subsequently.  Independent factors associated with an increased risk of MRSA colonization included history of MRSA infection before this admission (RR, 6.84; 95%CI, 1.27-37.01) and duration of admission (RR, 1.08; 95%CI, 1.05-1.11). Twenty-five points four percent of HA-MRSA colonized patients were subsequently developed MRSA infection.

Conclusions: The high incidence of MRSA nasal carriage in the general medicine wards is a high burden. Admitted to this wards for one day increases the risk of MRSA colonization.  Infection control measures need to be focus to all patients who admitted to this wards.  This hospital needs a better policy for infection control and prevention.  (J Infect Dis Antimicrob Agents 2015;32:119-33.)

Keyword : MRSA carriage, MRSA colonization, nosocomial MRSA, hospital-acquired MRSA

 

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