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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Prevalence of Nasal Colonization by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Persons Using a Homeless Shelter
Megan Ottomeyer1, Charles D Graham2, Avery D Legg3
1Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences , Kansas City, MO , USA.
Abstract:
Nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) plays an important role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of disease. Situations of close-quarter contact in groups are generally regarded as a risk factor for community-acquired MRSA strains due to transmission via fomites and person-to-person contact. With these criteria for risk, homeless individuals using shelter facilities, including showers and toilets, should be considered high risk for colonization and infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nasal colonization of MRSA in a homeless population compared to established rates of colonization within the public and a control group of subjects from a neighboring medical school campus, and to analyze phylogenetic diversity among the MRSA strains. Nasal samples were taken from the study population of 332 adult participants and analyzed. In addition, participants were surveyed about various lifestyle factors in order to elucidate potential patterns of behavior associated with MRSA colonization. Homeless and control groups both had higher prevalence of MRSA (9.8 and 10.6%, respectively), when compared to the general population reported by previous studies (1.8%). However, the control group had a similar MRSA rate compared to health-care workers (4.6%), while the homeless population had an increased prevalence. Risk factors identified in this study included male gender, age over 50 years, and use of antibiotics within the past 3 months. Phylogenetic relationships between nine of the positive samples from the homeless population were analyzed, showing eight of the nine samples had a high degree of relatedness between the spaA genes of the MRSA strains. This indicates that the same MRSA strain might be transmitted from person-to-person among homeless population. These findings increase our understanding of key differences in MRSA characteristics within homeless populations, as well as risks for MRSA associated with being homeless, such as age and gender, which may then be a useful tool in guiding more effective prevention, treatment, and health care for homeless individuals.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization is high in homeless individuals and a control group, unlike the general population. This suggests person-to-person transmission of MRSA strains within the homeless community.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a key factor in disease spread.
- Close-contact settings, like homeless shelters, pose risks for MRSA transmission via fomites and person-to-person contact.
- Homeless individuals are considered a high-risk group for MRSA colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine MRSA nasal colonization prevalence in homeless individuals compared to a control group and general population rates.
- To analyze the phylogenetic diversity of MRSA strains found in the homeless population.
- To identify lifestyle factors associated with MRSA colonization in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Nasal swabs were collected from 332 homeless adults and a control group.
- MRSA colonization was analyzed using laboratory methods.
- Participants completed surveys on lifestyle factors.
- Phylogenetic analysis of MRSA strains was performed using spaA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- MRSA prevalence was significantly higher in both the homeless (9.8%) and control (10.6%) groups compared to the general population (1.8%).
- The homeless population showed an increased MRSA prevalence compared to healthcare workers (4.6%).
- Identified risk factors included male gender, age over 50, and recent antibiotic use.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed high relatedness among MRSA strains from the homeless group, suggesting a common source.
Conclusions:
- Homeless individuals exhibit a higher prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization.
- A specific MRSA strain appears to be circulating within the homeless population, indicating person-to-person transmission.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies for MRSA in homeless populations, considering factors like age and gender.
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