Prevalence and Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infections in Custodial...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality within correctional facilities.
• Prison environments present unique challenges for infection control due to close proximity and shared resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence and identify risk factors associated with MRSA infections among incarcerated populations.
• To synthesize existing literature on MRSA prevalence and transmission dynamics in prisons.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases for studies published between 1997 and 2015.
• Included studies reported on MRSA skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and other invasive MRSA infections in custody.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies detailed MRSA SSTIs, while four reported non-SSTI cases including necrotizing pneumonias and brain abscesses.
• Significant risk factors for MRSA SSTI included MRSA colonization, prior skin infections, sharing personal items, abscess/furuncle presentation, younger age, non-Caucasian ethnicity, overweight status, communal laundering, infrequent handwashing, and lower hygiene scores.

Conclusions:

• MRSA is a prevalent concern in prisons, with identifiable risk factors contributing to its spread.
• Interventions focusing on hygiene, early detection, and education are crucial for mitigating MRSA transmission in correctional settings.