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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Risk factors for infection and colonization with community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in
Cynthia L Maree1, Samantha J Eells, Jennifer Tan
1University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Background:
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and outbreaks occur in correctional facilities, such as jails and prisons. Spread of these infections can be extremely difficult to control. Development of effective prevention protocols requires an understanding of MRSA risk factors in incarcerated persons.
Methods:
We performed a case-control study investigating behavioral risk factors associated with MRSA infection and colonization. Case patients were male inmates with confirmed MRSA infection. Control subjects were male inmates without skin infection. Case patients and control subjects completed questionnaires and underwent collection of nasal swab samples for culture for MRSA. Microbiologic analysis was performed to characterize recovered MRSA isolates.
Results:
We enrolled 60 case patients and 102 control subjects. Of the case patients, 21 (35%) had MRSA nasal colonization, compared with 11 control subjects (11%) (P .001). Among MRSA isolates tested, 100% were the USA300 strain type. Factors associated with MRSA skin infection included MRSA nares colonization, lower educational level, lack of knowledge about "Staph" infections, lower rate of showering in jail, recent skin infection, sharing soap with other inmates, and less preincarceration contact with the health care system. Risk factors associated with MRSA colonization included antibiotic use in the previous year and lower rate of showering.
Conclusions:
We identified several risks for MRSA infection in male inmates, many of which reflected preincarceration factors, such as previous skin infection and lower educational level. Some mutable factors, such as showering frequency, knowledge about Staph, and soap sharing, may be targets for intervention to prevent infection in this vulnerable population.
Insights
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a risk in jails. Lower education, poor hygiene, and prior infections increase MRSA risk in inmates, highlighting targets for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge in correctional facilities, with outbreaks being difficult to control.
- Understanding MRSA risk factors among incarcerated populations is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate behavioral and demographic risk factors associated with MRSA infection and colonization in male inmates.
- To identify modifiable factors for targeted interventions within correctional settings.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with male inmates.
- Case patients had confirmed MRSA infection, while control subjects had no skin infection.
- Data were collected via questionnaires and nasal swab cultures; MRSA isolates were characterized.
Main Results:
- MRSA nasal colonization was significantly higher in case patients (35%) than controls (11%).
- Factors linked to MRSA skin infection included nasal colonization, lower education, poor hygiene (infrequent showering, soap sharing), and prior skin infection.
- MRSA colonization risk factors included recent antibiotic use and infrequent showering.
Conclusions:
- Pre-incarceration factors like previous skin infections and lower education are associated with MRSA infection risk in inmates.
- Modifiable factors such as showering frequency, hygiene knowledge, and avoiding soap sharing present opportunities for infection control interventions.
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