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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
MRSA Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Health-Care Workers in Non-outbreak Situations in the Dutch-German
Ricarda Sassmannshausen1, Ruud H Deurenberg2, Robin Köck3
1Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Preventing the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthcare facilities is a major infection control target. However, only a few studies have assessed the potential role of healthcare workers (HCWs) for MRSA dissemination. To investigate the MRSA prevalence and the risk factors for MRSA colonization among HCWs, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken between June 2010 and January 2011 from 726 employees from nine acute care hospitals with different care levels within the German part of a Dutch-German border region (EUREGIO). The isolated MRSA strains were investigated using spa typing. The overall MRSA prevalence among HCWs in a non-outbreak situation was 4.6% (33 of 726), and was higher in nurses (5.6%, 29 of 514) than in physicians (1.2%, 1 of 83). Possible risk factors associated with MRSA colonization were a known history of MRSA carriage and the presence of acne. Intensive contact with patients may facilitate MRSA transmission between patients and HCWs. Furthermore, an accumulation of risk factors was accompanied by an increased MRSA prevalence in HCW.
Insights
Healthcare workers (HCWs) can carry methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study found 4.6% MRSA prevalence in HCWs, with higher rates in nurses, and identified key risk factors for colonization.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to healthcare infection control.
- The role of healthcare workers (HCWs) in MRSA dissemination requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization among HCWs.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in HCWs.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 726 HCWs across nine hospitals in the EUREGIO region.
- MRSA strains were identified and characterized using spa typing.
- Data were analyzed to correlate MRSA colonization with demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- The overall MRSA prevalence among HCWs was 4.6% (33/726).
- Nurses exhibited a higher prevalence (5.6%) compared to physicians (1.2%).
- Known history of MRSA carriage and presence of acne were identified as significant risk factors for colonization.
Conclusions:
- HCWs can be colonized with MRSA, with prevalence varying by profession.
- Patient contact and identified risk factors contribute to MRSA colonization in HCWs.
- Targeted screening and interventions for HCWs may be necessary to reduce MRSA transmission.
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