Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in healthy Aucklanders
Nicola Best1, John D Fraser, Paul B Rainey
1University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Background:
Studies have reported higher rates of diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) amongst Maori and Pacific people, compared with people of other ethnicities.
Aim:
We aimed to estimate the prevalence of nasal carriage and to explore demographic differences between S. aureus carriers and non-carriers in Auckland, New Zealand.
Materials And Methods:
Nasal swab specimens were obtained from healthy population volunteers, who did not have recent healthcare contact. Each participant completed a short questionnaire.
Results:
78/424 (18%; 95%CI, 15-22) S. aureus carriers were identified. Female participants were less likely to be S. aureus carriers than males; but there were no differences in the ages or ethnic groups between S. aureus carriers and non-carriers. Socioeconomic deprivation, recent non-hospital healthcare contact and past history of S. aureus infection were not associated with S. aureus carriage.
Conclusion:
Ethnic variation in the prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage does not contribute to an increased risk of disease caused by S. aureus.
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