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Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage rate and associated risk factors in individuals in the community

M A Halablab1, S M Hijazi, M A Fawzi

  • 1College of Science and Information Systems, Hariri Canadian University, Damour, Chouf 2010, Lebanon. halablabma@hcu.edu.lb

Epidemiology and Infection
|November 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is common, especially in children. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is rare, but risk factors like male gender and young age increase colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA poses a significant healthcare challenge.
  • Understanding community S. aureus nasal carriage is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage in the Lebanese community.
  • To investigate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and identify risk factors for S. aureus nasal colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 500 individuals aged 6-65 years in Lebanon.
  • Nasal swabs were collected to identify S. aureus and MRSA.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Overall S. aureus nasal carriage rate was 38.4%, highest in children (57.1%).
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) carriage was low at 1.6%.
  • Risk factors included male gender, young age, healthcare contact, injections, and asthma. Nasal hygiene decreased colonization.

Conclusions:

  • S. aureus nasal colonization is prevalent in the Lebanese community, particularly in children.
  • MRSA is uncommon, but specific risk factors are identified.
  • Findings can inform targeted control strategies to reduce S. aureus nasal carriage.

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