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Updated: May 22, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
A multistrain cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus based in a native community
G Taylor1, T Kirkland, K Kowalewska-Grochowska
1University of Alberta Hospitals and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Abstract:
Since 1986 the authors' hospital has experienced increased numbers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates linked to residents of a native Indian community infected or colonized on admission. A survey of 422 consecutive persons from that community admitted to hospital over a three year period identified 21 (4.9%) carrying MRSA. In a case control study of 34 carriers compared to noncarriers from the community, only prior hospitalization within the past 12 months was identified as being significantly associated with the carrier state, but a specific hospital associated with this risk was not identified. A study of subsets of MRSA isolates in these patients revealed multiple strains present, identified by antibiograms, phage typing profiles and plasmid analysis. Community-based clusters of MRSA have only rarely been previously identified.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly found in a native Indian community. Prior hospitalization was linked to MRSA carriage, but specific hospital sources remain unidentified, highlighting community-based transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Increased incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates linked to a specific native Indian community.
- MRSA colonization identified in a significant percentage of admitted patients from this community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with MRSA carriage in a native Indian community.
- To characterize the MRSA strains circulating within this community.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 422 community residents admitted to the hospital over three years.
- A case-control study comparing MRSA carriers and non-carriers.
- Molecular analysis of MRSA isolates including antibiograms, phage typing, and plasmid analysis.
Main Results:
- 21 out of 422 (4.9%) individuals surveyed were identified as MRSA carriers.
- Prior hospitalization within 12 months was the only significant risk factor for MRSA carriage.
- Multiple MRSA strains were detected, suggesting diverse origins or evolution.
Conclusions:
- Community-based MRSA transmission is occurring within this native Indian community.
- While prior hospitalization is a risk factor, the specific hospital source is not identified.
- Further research is needed to understand and control community-based MRSA spread.
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