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Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by hospital staff in north Jordan
1Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid.
Abstract:
The nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 550 hospital staff members of four hospitals in north Jordan. Of the 109 (19.8%) individuals tested who were nasal carriers of S. aureus, only 32 (5.8%) were found to be carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The carriers were four doctors, 23 nurses, three laboratory technicians, one maid and an administrator. It was noted that 25 (78.1%) of these carriers were in constant contact with patients in operating theatres, surgical wards or intensive care units. It was not clear whether the carriers were short- or long-term carriers, or whether they were persistent sources of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Decontamination of these carriers was considered among other control measures to avoid the dangerous outcome of hospital outbreaks caused by this potential pathogen.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage was found in 5.8% of 550 hospital staff in Jordan. Healthcare workers in direct patient contact, like nurses, showed higher carriage rates, posing a risk for hospital outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Nasal carriage of MRSA among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a potential reservoir for transmission.
- Understanding MRSA carriage prevalence in HCWs is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA nasal carriage among hospital staff in north Jordan.
- To identify healthcare worker categories at higher risk for MRSA carriage.
- To inform infection control strategies aimed at reducing MRSA transmission in hospitals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 550 hospital staff members from four hospitals.
- Nasal swabs were collected and processed to detect the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.
- Demographic data and roles of staff members were recorded.
Main Results:
- Out of 550 staff, 109 (19.8%) carried Staphylococcus aureus, with 32 (5.8%) identified as MRSA carriers.
- The majority of MRSA carriers (78.1%) had direct patient contact in high-risk areas like operating theatres, surgical wards, and ICUs.
- Carriers included doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff.
Conclusions:
- A notable prevalence of MRSA nasal carriage exists among hospital staff in north Jordan.
- Healthcare workers in direct patient care roles represent a significant proportion of MRSA carriers.
- Targeted decontamination and enhanced infection control measures for HCWs are recommended to prevent MRSA outbreaks.