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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Trafficking of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and co-colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Eman J Sharaf1, Abiola C Senok, Edet E Udo

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
|April 2, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) co-colonization is a public health concern. MRSA is trafficked between hospitals and communities, highlighting the need for infection control measures.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are significant healthcare-associated pathogens.
  • Understanding the transmission dynamics of these resistant organisms between hospital and community settings is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of MRSA and VRE co-colonization in patients.
  • To determine the extent of MRSA trafficking between hospital and community environments.
  • To identify risk factors associated with MRSA/VRE co-colonization.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted involving patients and their family contacts.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCoNS) colonization was assessed.
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) co-colonization was screened using PCR for vancomycin resistance genotypes.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to analyze MRSA strain relatedness.

Main Results:

  • MRSA and MRCoNS strains were isolated from both patients and their family members, indicating community-VRE transmission.
  • A significant rate of VRE co-colonization (11.6%) was observed, predominantly in MRSA-positive patients (20.9%).
  • Enterococcus gallinarum (vanC1) and Enterococcus faecium (vanB) were the main VRE types identified. Male gender, prolonged hospitalization, and comorbidities were associated with co-colonization.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA/VRE co-colonization poses a public health concern.
  • MRSA exhibits trafficking between hospital and community settings.
  • The findings underscore the importance of integrated infection control measures in both healthcare and community environments.

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