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Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
08:51

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

Published on: November 4, 2016

Transregional spread of a single clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus between groups of drug users in

F Fleisch1, E C Oechslin, A R Gujer

  • 1Dept. of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Microbiology, Kantonsspital, 7000 Chur, Switzerland. felix.fleisch@scag.gr.ch

Infection
|August 11, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has spread from Zurich to the Grisons among intravenous drug users (IDUs). This highlights the need for infection control in institutions housing IDUs to prevent further transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • An epidemic of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Zurich.
  • The study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of MRSA in IDUs in the Grisons, Switzerland.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in IDUs and their caregivers in the Grisons.
  • To identify the MRSA genotype and compare it to the strain circulating in Zurich.
  • To assess the effectiveness of decolonization in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 111 IDUs and 80 caregivers from medical and socio-therapeutical institutions in the Grisons.
  • Collection of nasal swabs for bacterial culture.
  • MRSA genotyping using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Main Results:

  • Six out of 111 IDUs (5.4%) were asymptomatic MRSA carriers.
  • MRSA prevalence was 16% among IDUs participating in the official heroin program.
  • Caregivers did not show MRSA colonization.
  • The identified MRSA genotype matched the clone found in Zurich IDUs, indicating clonal spread.
  • Decolonization was successful in only two individuals, suggesting MRSA persistence.

Conclusions:

  • A single MRSA clone has spread from Zurich to the Grisons among IDUs.
  • MRSA persistence in IDUs is likely.
  • Rigorous infection control programs are essential in institutions with IDUs to curb further MRSA dissemination.

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