Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Nasal and skin colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with increased infection risk post-total joint replacement.
• The prevalence of MRSA colonization remains poorly defined in Latin American populations.
• Understanding MRSA carriage is crucial for preventing surgical site infections in orthopedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in the nostrils and groin of patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• To identify potential risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in this specific patient cohort.
• To provide data on MRSA carriage rates in a Latin American tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 146 patients undergoing THA in Chile.
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to screen for MRSA colonization in nasal and groin swabs prior to surgery.
• Data on potential risk factors for colonization were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• MRSA colonization was detected in 5% (7 out of 146) of the patients.
• Recent antibiotic use was identified as a significant risk factor for MRSA colonization (OR=4.86).
• MRSA colonization was found to be twice as frequent in the groin compared to the nostrils (P=0.014).

Conclusions:

• Five percent of patients undergoing THA in this Chilean study were MRSA carriers.
• Recent antibiotic use is a key risk factor for MRSA colonization in patients undergoing primary THA.
• Targeted screening and decolonization strategies may be beneficial for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, particularly those with a history of antibiotic use.