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Obesity and Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among women and men in a general population

Karina Olsen1, Kjersti Danielsen, Tom Wilsgaard

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. karina.olsen@unn.no

Plos One
|May 14, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obesity, indicated by body mass index and waist circumference, is linked to Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization, independent of diabetes. This association is particularly notable in premenopausal women.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Metabolic health and microbial colonization

Background:

  • Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) increase infection risk.
  • Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is a key risk factor for S. aureus infections.
  • The relationship between obesity metrics and S. aureus colonization independent of DM requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are associated with S. aureus nasal colonization independently of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Main Methods:

  • Nasal swab cultures assessed S. aureus colonization in 2,169 women and 1,709 men (aged 30-87).
  • Measurements included height, weight, WC, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).
  • Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for DM, HbA1c, and other confounders.

Main Results:

  • Increased BMI correlated with higher odds of S. aureus nasal colonization in women.
  • Obese women (BMI ≥32.5) and those with high WC (≥101 cm) had significantly higher odds of colonization.
  • High WC was also associated with colonization in men.
  • Associations remained significant when excluding participants with pre-diabetes or hormonal contraceptive use.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity appears to be a determinant of S. aureus nasal colonization, independent of DM.
  • This link is particularly evident in premenopausal women.
  • Further prospective studies are needed to explore obesity's role across different ages and sexes.

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