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Risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in Danish middle-aged and elderly twins
P S Andersen1, L A Larsen, V G Fowler
1Microbiology Research and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, psa@ssi.dk.
Summary
This study identified key risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in Danish twins. Factors like age, male gender, psoriasis, atopic diseases, and living on a farm increase carriage risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Twin Studies
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common human commensal bacterium.
- Nasal carriage of S. aureus is a significant risk factor for invasive infections.
- Previous twin studies found no significant heritability for S. aureus carriage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific risk factors for S. aureus nasal colonization in a cohort of Danish middle-aged and elderly twins.
- To analyze discordant twin pairs to better understand factors influencing S. aureus carriage.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 2,196 Danish middle-aged and elderly twins.
- Analysis included discordant twin pairs (n=478) for S. aureus colonization.
- Statistical associations were examined between various risk factors and S. aureus nasal carriage.
Main Results:
- Several risk factors were significantly associated with S. aureus nasal colonization.
- Identified risk factors include older age, male gender, psoriasis, and atopic diseases.
- Living on a farm showed a clear association with S. aureus colonization, while smoking exhibited a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Host-related factors, beyond genetics, play a crucial role in S. aureus nasal colonization.
- Environmental factors, such as living on a farm, are linked to S. aureus carriage.
- Understanding these risk factors can inform strategies to reduce S. aureus colonization and subsequent infections.
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