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Differences between Staphylococcus aureus isolates from medical and nonmedical hospital personnel
Christian Cespedes1, Maureen Miller, Bianca Quagliarello
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Abstract:
It is unclear whether the levels of Staphylococcus aureus colonization of hospital personnel with patient exposure are increased or whether personnel become colonized with more antibiotic-resistant strains. Differences in nasal and hand carriage of S. aureus between medical and nonmedical hospital personnel were examined. No differences in nasal carriage between the two groups were found; however, there was a trend that suggested differences in the rates of hand carriage of S. aureus (18% of nonmedical personnel and 10% of medical personnel). Medical personnel were colonized with more antibiotic-resistant isolates than nonmedical personnel (mean, 2.8 versus 2.1 isolates [P < 0.03]), and the strain profiles indicated that they tended to be more clonal in origin, suggesting that exposure to hospital isolates alters the colonization profile.
Insights
Hospital personnel with patient exposure may carry more antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains on their hands. This study found medical staff had higher colonization with resistant strains compared to nonmedical staff.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization in healthcare settings is a concern.
- Understanding colonization patterns in hospital personnel is crucial for infection control.
- Previous research has not clearly defined differences in S. aureus colonization between medical and nonmedical staff.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in nasal and hand carriage of S. aureus between medical and nonmedical hospital personnel.
- To determine if hospital personnel are colonized with more antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains.
- To explore potential alterations in S. aureus colonization profiles due to hospital exposure.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of nasal and hand S. aureus carriage rates in medical versus nonmedical hospital personnel.
- Analysis of antibiotic resistance patterns of S. aureus isolates from personnel.
- Examination of S. aureus strain profiles to assess clonal origin and hospital exposure impact.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in nasal S. aureus carriage between medical and nonmedical personnel.
- A trend suggested higher S. aureus hand carriage rates in nonmedical personnel (18%) compared to medical personnel (10%).
- Medical personnel carried significantly more antibiotic-resistant S. aureus isolates (mean 2.8 vs. 2.1) and exhibited more clonal strain profiles.
Conclusions:
- Hospital personnel, particularly medical staff, may be colonized with more antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains.
- Exposure to hospital environments appears to influence the S. aureus colonization profile of healthcare workers.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced infection control strategies targeting S. aureus colonization in hospital personnel.