MRSA: rare in the vagina

To determine the prevalence of vaginal Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in sexually active adolescent women.

A prospective surveillance study.

Patients included 315 sexually active young women (ages 13-24) undergoing routine pelvic examination and wet mount testing in an urban teen health center.

Prevalence of vaginal S. aureus and MRSA.

S. aureus was present in 16 samples for a point estimate of 5.1% (95% CI: 2.6%-7.5%). MRSA was detected in two samples, giving a vaginal prevalence estimate of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.0% -1.5%). No differences were detected in the prevalence of S. aureus by age or race, although no cases of S. aureus were observed in those under age 15.

The prevalence of MRSA in a sample of sexually active adolescents was as rare as reported in other populations. It is unlikely that vaginal MRSA is a reservoir for community acquired infections.