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Nasal and Pharyngeal Colonization by Bacterial Pathogens: A Comparative Study between Preclinical and Clinical
Dharm Raj Bhatta1, Deependra Hamal1, Rajani Shrestha1
1Department of Microbiology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal.
Background:
Upper respiratory tract is one of the commonest sites for microbial colonization. The colonized individuals are at risk of infections and can be a source of transmission of pathogens. Medical students are frequently exposed to a variety of infectious agents and more likely to get colonized by them. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and to compare the colonization rates of nasal and pharyngeal bacterial pathogens among preclinical and clinical sciences medical students.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 preclinical and 100 clinical sciences medical students. Isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates were performed by standard microbiological techniques.
Results:
The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was 35% (70/200) and 19.5% (39/200), respectively. The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was significantly higher among clinical sciences students as compared to preclinical sciences students. Pharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae was significantly higher among clinical sciences students as compared to preclinical sciences students. The pharyngeal colonization by beta-hemolytic streptococci (nongroup A) was higher among preclinical sciences students than clinical sciences students.
Conclusion:
The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was higher among clinical sciences students. Pharyngeal colonization by potential bacterial pathogens was higher among clinical sciences students than preclinical students. Periodic screening of MRSA and potential throat pathogens of clinical sciences students and may reduce the incidences of nosocomial transmission of pathogens.
Insights
Clinical medical students show higher nasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. Pharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae was also elevated in clinical students, highlighting potential risks for pathogen transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Education
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The upper respiratory tract is a common site for microbial colonization, posing infection risks and facilitating pathogen transmission.
- Medical students, due to frequent exposure to infectious agents, are at higher risk of microbial colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of nasal and pharyngeal bacterial pathogens in medical students.
- To compare colonization rates between preclinical and clinical sciences medical students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 preclinical and 100 clinical medical students.
- Standard microbiological techniques for isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates.
Main Results:
- Nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (35%) and MRSA (19.5%) was significantly higher in clinical students.
- Pharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae was significantly higher in clinical students.
- Pharyngeal colonization by non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci was higher in preclinical students.
Conclusions:
- Clinical medical students exhibit increased nasal colonization of S. aureus and MRSA.
- Higher pharyngeal colonization by potential bacterial pathogens observed in clinical students suggests increased transmission risk.
- Periodic screening for MRSA and throat pathogens in clinical students may mitigate nosocomial pathogen transmission.
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