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Prevalence of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization Among Children

Veena Shetty1, Katherine Trumbull2, Amitha Hegde3

  • 1Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University , Karnataka, India .

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|February 6, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) nasal colonization is present in Indian children, though rates remain low. High S. aureus antibiotic resistance necessitates ongoing surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Invasive community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are rising in healthy children.
  • Nasal colonization by MRSA increases the risk of invasive disease.
  • Understanding CA-MRSA nasal colonization prevalence and risk factors in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of CA-MRSA nasal colonization in healthy Indian children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with S. aureus nasal colonization.
  • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of S. aureus isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 500 children aged 1 month to 17 years in Mangalore, India.
  • Nasal swabs collected for quantitative culture of S. aureus.
  • Questionnaire administered to collect data on potential risk factors.
  • Disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing performed per CLSI guidelines.

Main Results:

  • S. aureus nasal colonization found in 25% of children; CA-MRSA identified in 3% of isolates.
  • Younger children (<6 years) and those in joint families showed higher S. aureus colonization rates.
  • Significant antibiotic resistance observed, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (39%), erythromycin (19%), and clindamycin (5%).
  • Inducible clindamycin resistance detected in 11 erythromycin-resistant strains; no vancomycin resistance noted.

Conclusions:

  • Indian children exhibit a high prevalence of S. aureus nasal colonization.
  • While CA-MRSA colonization is present, its rate remains low in this healthy pediatric cohort.
  • Widespread antibiotic resistance among S. aureus strains is a significant public health concern, demanding continuous surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship.
Keywords:
ChildrenDisk diffusion testKarnatakaNasal carriageStaphylococcus aureus

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