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Published on: September 3, 2016
Prevalence of Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in 4 cities in Peru
Joan Neyra1, Michael Ellis2, Claudio Rocha1
1Naval Medical Research Unit N° 6 Lima-Peru (NAMRU-6), 655 Manco Capac St., Miraflores, Lima Peru.
Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat around the world and is not well characterized in the developing setting. Specifically, there is a lack of information regarding nasal colonization with S. aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Latin America and Peru.
Methods:
This is the report of the baseline findings of a prospective cohort study followed up over 1 year at four geographically and ecologically distinct Peruvian Air Force bases in order to determine S. aureus nasal colonization prevalence and risk factors. Additionally, all MRSA isolates underwent molecular analysis which included pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and determination of virulence and resistance genes.
Results:
We enrolled 756 military personnel. Anterior nares colonization with Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 73 of 756 participants (9.7 %) and MRSA was detected in 2 of 756 (0.3 %). Colonization rates differed significantly (P = 0.02) between geographic enrollment sites: Talara-4.3 %, Iquitos-9.1 %, Arequipa-14.0 % and Lima-11.3 %. Risk factors for S. aureus colonization included being male and a reported history of respiratory disease.
Conclusion:
Overall, we found low prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization in this Peruvian military population. These findings contribute to the overall epidemiological understanding of S. aureus and MRSA in Latin America. The colonization rates which varied based on geographical location warrants further study.
Insights
This study found low prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization in Peruvian military personnel. Colonization rates varied by geographic location, highlighting the need for further epidemiological research in Latin America.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern.
- Data on Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA nasal colonization is limited in developing regions, particularly Peru.
- Understanding nasal colonization is crucial for controlling the spread of resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.
- To identify the prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization in Peruvian military personnel.
- To conduct molecular analysis of MRSA isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study over 1 year at four Peruvian Air Force bases.
- Enrolled 756 military personnel for nasal swab analysis.
- Molecular typing (PFGE) and gene analysis for MRSA isolates.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization detected in 9.7% of participants.
- MRSA nasal colonization detected in 0.3% of participants.
- Colonization rates varied significantly by geographic site (4.3% to 14.0%); male sex and respiratory disease history were risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Low prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization observed in this Peruvian military population.
- Findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of S. aureus and MRSA in Latin America.
- Geographic variation in colonization rates warrants further investigation.
