Nursing homes as reservoirs of MRSA: myth or reality?

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization among residents of a long-term care facility (LTCF) and to investigate the association of prior antibiotics use and MRSA colonization.

Cross-sectional analysis.

A large, 320-bed suburban long-term care facility in New York.

A representative sample of 160 nursing home residents.

We obtained nasal swabs to screen for MRSA colonization and reviewed the medical charts for clinical and demographic data.

A total of 160 residents participated. MRSA colonization was identified in 44 residents (27.5 %). Only 5 variables were statistically significantly associated with MRSA colonization, namely race, renal insufficiency, increased use of antibiotics, prior MRSA infection during the previous year, and prior hospitalization within 3 years. Sharing a room with a MRSA carrier did not increase the risk for colonization.

This study found a large reservoir of MRSA within this LTCF population. Nursing home residents with renal insufficiency, prior MRSA infection, prior hospitalization, and higher use of antibiotics were found to be at risk for MRSA colonization . These findings demonstrate that LTCFs need to be proactive in implementing appropriate antibiotics restriction practices and should give high priority to the development of more effective infection control policies.