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Nasal Colonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Eun Jung Lee1, Jin Ho Kwon1, Ah Young Park1

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Korean Journal of Audiology
|March 22, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization is prevalent in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) patients undergoing ear surgery. Preoperative screening identified MRSA, linking nasal carriage to middle ear infections and potential complications.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).
  • Nasal colonization of MRSA predicts postoperative surgical site infections and may increase complication risks.
  • Understanding MRSA prevalence in CSOM patients is crucial for surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbiology of preoperative nasal swabs and middle ear specimens in patients with CSOM undergoing otologic surgery.
  • To determine the prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization in this patient population.
  • To assess the correlation between nasal MRSA and middle ear isolates.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 49 consecutive CSOM patients undergoing middle ear surgery was studied.
  • Preoperative nasal swabs and middle ear swabs (preoperative and intraoperative) were collected.
  • Pathogens were identified and compared between nasal and middle ear samples.

Main Results:

  • MRSA colonization was detected in 6.1% of nasal swabs, and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS) in 18.4%.
  • Correlation between nasal and middle ear isolates showed some agreement for MRSA and MRCNS.
  • Three patients experienced postoperative conversion to MRSA.

Conclusions:

  • Nasal MRSA colonization rates in CSOM patients are higher than in the general community.
  • Preoperative MRSA nasal colonization is associated with MRSA presence in middle ear specimens.
  • Further research is needed to evaluate the benefits of decolonization strategies before middle ear surgery.
Keywords:
CultureMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusOtitis media

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