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Staphylococcus aureus carriage in selected kindergartens in Klang Valley

N A Mohamed1, S Ramli2, N N Z Amin2

  • 1Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. drnurul@usim.edu.my.

The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|June 22, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in children was 19.2%, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 1.6%. Half of MRSA isolates carried the Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene, potentially increasing severe infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in children ranges from 18% to 30%.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation affects 1% to 3% of the pediatric population.
  • Limited population-based data exists on S. aureus and MRSA carriage prevalence in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage among children in the Klang Valley.
  • To identify specific genetic markers, including the mecA and Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) genes, in MRSA isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal samples were collected from 250 children across three kindergartens.
  • S. aureus identification involved mannitol-salt agar inoculation and disk diffusion tests.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect mecA and lukS/FPV genes in MRSA isolates.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage was 19.2% (48/250).
  • MRSA carriage prevalence was 1.6% (4/250).
  • All MRSA isolates harbored the mecA gene, and 50% carried the PVL gene. Sccmec types I and V were identified.

Conclusions:

  • S. aureus and MRSA carriage rates in this cohort are consistent with existing literature.
  • The presence of the PVL gene in 50% of MRSA isolates may elevate the risk of severe S. aureus infections in children.
  • This study highlights the importance of monitoring MRSA carriage and associated virulence factors in pediatric populations.

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