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Published on: June 11, 2011

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in HIV-infected outpatients is common and detection is

P J Peters1, J T Brooks1, B Limbago1

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Epidemiology and Infection
|September 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is common in HIV-infected adults. Groin swabs significantly improved MRSA detection, particularly the USA300 strain.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • High rates of clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are noted in HIV-infected adults.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and risk factors of MRSA colonization in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in HIV-infected adults.
  • To identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization.
  • To evaluate the impact of including groin swabs on MRSA detection.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 600 HIV-infected adults receiving care at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
  • Collection of nasal and groin swabs for S. aureus culture with broth enrichment.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for MRSA strain typing (USA300 and USA500/Iberian).

Main Results:

  • Overall, 13% of participants were colonized with MRSA and 30% with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.
  • MRSA strains USA300 (54%) and USA500/Iberian (35%) were predominant.
  • Inclusion of groin swabs increased MRSA detection by 24% and USA300 detection by 38%.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA colonization is prevalent in HIV-infected adults.
  • MRSA colonization is associated with a history of MRSA infection, infrequent condom use, and contact with correctional facilities.
  • Groin culturing enhances MRSA detection, especially for the USA300 strain.

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