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Published on: September 3, 2016
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Papua New Guinea: a community nasal colonization prevalence study
Moses Laman1,2, Andrew Greenhill1,3, Geoffrey W Coombs4,5
1Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.
Background:
There are few epidemiological data available to inform a national response to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional survey to determine the pattern of MRSA nasal colonization and the diversity of circulating MRSA clones among adults and adolescents in Madang Province, PNG.
Results:
S. aureus nasal colonization was confirmed in 44 (17.1%) of 257 participants. Four (9.1%) isolates were methicillin resistant. Resistance to other antimicrobial agents was uncommon. Detailed molecular typing of three MRSA isolates demonstrated multiple MRSA clones in this community, of which two carried the Panton-Valentin leukocidin-associated virulence genes.
Conclusions:
MRSA is likely to account for a clinically important proportion of staphylococcal disease in PNG. There are multiple MRSA clones in PNG. Ongoing surveillance of community and invasive isolates is a critical component of an effective response to the challenge of community-acquired MRSA in this and many other resource-limited contexts.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization was found in 17.1% of participants in Papua New Guinea. Multiple MRSA clones, some with virulence genes, were identified, highlighting the need for surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Limited epidemiological data on community-acquired MRSA in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
- Need for understanding MRSA prevalence to guide national response strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine MRSA nasal colonization rates in Madang Province, PNG.
- Characterize circulating MRSA clones among adults and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey design.
- Analysis of S. aureus nasal colonization in 257 participants.
- Molecular typing of MRSA isolates.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of S. aureus nasal colonization was 17.1% (44/257).
- MRSA identified in 9.1% (4/44) of S. aureus isolates.
- Multiple MRSA clones detected, including two with Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes.
Conclusions:
- MRSA likely contributes significantly to staphylococcal infections in PNG.
- Presence of diverse MRSA clones necessitates ongoing surveillance.
- Effective response to community-acquired MRSA in resource-limited settings requires robust monitoring.
