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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Infection Control Practices and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections: A Survey of Students in
1Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, California.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of self-reported history of physician-diagnosed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) among chiropractic students and any association with infection control behaviors (hand and table hygiene, sharing gowns, and sharing lotion) and initiation of patient care.
Methods:
Questionnaires were obtained from 312 students attending half (9/18) of US chiropractic campuses. The questionnaire was derived from earlier studies led by Bearman in 2010 and Evans in 2007. Associations were assessed with Fisher exact test. Crude odds ratios were calculated for each of the variables. Two logistic regression models were produced.
Results:
Attendance at 1 campus was associated with postmatriculation MRSA SSTI in univariate analysis (P = .010). The logistic regression model was significant (P < .05), but the composing variables were not.
Conclusions:
Fewer than 5 cases of MRSA SSTI were detected overall, revealing a low rate of reported postmatriculation MRSA SSTI among these students. There was a univariate association with postmatriculation MRSA SSTI at 1 chiropractic college.
Insights
This study found a low incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections among chiropractic students. While one college showed a univariate association, overall infection control behaviors were not significantly linked to MRSA SSTI.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Chiropractic Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the incidence and risk factors for MRSA skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in healthcare professional students is crucial for preventing transmission.
- Chiropractic students, as future healthcare providers, are a key population to study regarding infection risks and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of self-reported physician-diagnosed MRSA SSTI among chiropractic students.
- To investigate the association between MRSA SSTI and specific infection control behaviors (hand hygiene, table hygiene, gown/lotion sharing) and patient care initiation.
- To identify any specific chiropractic campuses with a higher incidence of MRSA SSTI.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 312 chiropractic students across 9 US campuses.
- The questionnaire utilized was adapted from established studies by Bearman (2010) and Evans (2007).
- Statistical analyses included Fisher exact test, crude odds ratios, and two logistic regression models to assess associations.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of post-matriculation MRSA SSTI among the surveyed chiropractic students was low, with fewer than 5 cases reported.
- A univariate association was found between attendance at one specific chiropractic college and post-matriculation MRSA SSTI (P = .010).
- The logistic regression model for MRSA SSTI was statistically significant, but the individual variables within the model did not show significant associations.
Conclusions:
- The reported incidence of MRSA SSTI among chiropractic students in this study is low.
- While a univariate association was noted at one institution, overall infection control behaviors were not significantly linked to MRSA SSTI in this cohort.
- Further research may be warranted to explore campus-specific factors influencing MRSA SSTI incidence in chiropractic students.
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