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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization prevalence among Emergency Medical Services personnel

Alaa Al Amiry1, Richard A Bissell, Brian J Maguire

  • 1Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. almiry_alaa@hotmail.com

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
|April 25, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel show a higher prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization than the general population. This occupational hazard poses risks to both EMS providers and patients, necessitating further health protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Occupational Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization poses health risks to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and patients.
  • The prevalence of MRSA colonization among EMS personnel is not well-documented, highlighting a gap in understanding this occupational health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization in EMS personnel.
  • To compare MRSA colonization rates in EMS personnel against the general population.
  • To inform the development of targeted health protocols and policies for EMS providers.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 110 volunteers from two major US Mid-Atlantic fire departments.
  • MRSA colonization was detected using nasal swabs cultured on C-MRSAgar, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
  • Statistical analysis employed a one-sided binomial distribution to determine prevalence and compare it to established general population rates.

Main Results:

  • Out of 110 EMS personnel, 7 samples tested positive for MRSA, indicating a colonization prevalence of 6.4% (95% CI, 1.8%-11%).
  • This prevalence is significantly higher than the 1.5% colonization rate observed in the general population (P < .0003).

Conclusions:

  • EMS personnel exhibit a statistically significant higher prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization compared to the general population.
  • This finding identifies MRSA colonization as a potential occupational hazard for EMS providers.
  • The results underscore the need for enhanced infection control strategies and health surveillance within EMS organizations.

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