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Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in the United States, 2001-2002

Matthew J Kuehnert1, Deanna Kruszon-Moran, Holly A Hill

  • 1National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. mkuehnert@cdc.gov

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 20, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization affects over 32% of the US population. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) colonization is less common, impacting 0.8% of individuals, with prevalence varying by age and demographics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of human disease.
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections are increasingly reported.
  • Population-based data on S. aureus and MRSA colonization are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization in the US general population.
  • To identify demographic factors associated with S. aureus and MRSA colonization.
  • To characterize S. aureus and MRSA isolates, including genetic factors.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal samples and sociodemographic data from 9622 participants (aged >= 1 year) in the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed.
  • Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis clonal type, toxin genes (e.g., PVL), and SCCmec types.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to estimate prevalence and identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • National S. aureus colonization prevalence was 32.4% (89.4 million people); MRSA prevalence was 0.8% (2.3 million people).
  • S. aureus colonization was most common in children aged 6-11 years.
  • MRSA colonization was associated with older age (>= 60 years) and being female; SCCmec type IV and PVL genes were noted in specific demographic groups.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial portion of the US population is colonized with S. aureus, with varying demographic prevalence.
  • While nationally low in 2001-2002, MRSA colonization prevalence may differ based on demographic factors and specific bacterial characteristics.

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