Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates obtained from the Rikers...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Inmates may act as vectors for transmitting Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains, between correctional facilities.
• Rikers Island jail is a potential source for introducing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) into the New York State prison system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize MRSA isolates from infected inmates at Rikers Island jail.
• To identify the predominant MRSA clones and assess their resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

• Collection and microbiological characterization of 452 MRSA isolates from infected inmates between 2009 and 2013.
• Spa typing to determine the clonal lineage of MRSA isolates.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for mupirocin and chlorhexidine resistance.

Main Results:

• Spa type t008 was the predominant MRSA clone, identified in 82.3% of the isolates.
• No evidence of mupirocin or chlorhexidine resistance was detected in any of the characterized MRSA isolates.
• The findings indicate a dominant MRSA clone circulating among Rikers Island inmates during the study period.

Conclusions:

• The study identified a specific MRSA clone (spa type t008) prevalent in Rikers Island inmates.
• The absence of mupirocin and chlorhexidine resistance in this dominant clone is a significant finding for infection control strategies.
• Understanding MRSA epidemiology in correctional facilities is crucial for preventing its spread within the prison system and to the community.