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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in nursing home residents: a prevalence study in
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, Northants.
Abstract:
A prevalence study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was carried out in 17 nursing homes in Northamptonshire over a 20-month period. Thirteen of 275 residents swabbed (4.7%) were found to be colonized and six of the 17 homes (35%) had colonized residents. Only two homes had more than one colonized resident. Individual risk factors for colonization were gender (male) and the presence of skin ulcers and sores. There were no significant risk factors identified for homes. Spread may have occurred in the two homes which had more than one colonized resident. Both these homes had the epidemic strain EMRSA-15 whereas three of the four homes with a single colonized resident had EMRSA-16. It is suggested that homes with residents colonized with EMRSA-16 may be able to prevent spread by adherence to good infection control procedures but that this may not be adequate to prevent spread of EMRSA-15.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization affects 4.7% of nursing home residents. While male gender and skin sores increase individual risk, EMRSA-15 strains may spread more easily than EMRSA-16 strains in these facilities.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Nursing home residents are a vulnerable population for MRSA colonization and infection.
- Understanding MRSA prevalence and transmission dynamics in nursing homes is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization among nursing home residents in Northamptonshire.
- To identify individual and facility-level risk factors associated with MRSA colonization.
- To investigate the relationship between specific MRSA strains and their potential for spread within nursing homes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted over 20 months.
- Swabs were collected from 275 residents across 17 nursing homes.
- MRSA strains were identified, and risk factors for colonization were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Overall MRSA colonization prevalence was 4.7% (13/275 residents).
- Six out of 17 nursing homes (35%) had at least one colonized resident.
- Individual risk factors included male gender and presence of skin ulcers; no significant facility-level risk factors were found. EMRSA-15 was associated with spread in two homes, while EMRSA-16 was found in homes with single cases.
Conclusions:
- MRSA colonization is present in Northamptonshire nursing homes, with individual factors playing a role.
- The epidemic strain EMRSA-15 may be more prone to spread within nursing homes compared to EMRSA-16.
- Enhanced infection control measures may be necessary for managing EMRSA-15 colonization in these settings.