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Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Carriers among Laboratory Technical Staff of Tertiary Hospital in
R Neupane1, N Bhatt1, A Poudyal1
1Department of Microbiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Abstract:
Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been the leading cause of nosocomial and community infections worldwide. In particular, healthcare workers are at constant risk to develop MRSA carriage. There is a paucity of data regarding the epidemiology of MRSA in laboratory workers who are constantly in contact with these pathogens in almost every hospital. Objective This study was undertaken to identify the burden of MRSA nasal carriers and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates among laboratory technical staff. Method Sterile nasal swabs were taken from 50 laboratory technical staff working in the Central and Emergency laboratory of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). Standard procedures were followed for isolation, identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion and growth on Oxacillin screen agar based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Result Out of 50 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 44 (88%) were Methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) while six (12%) were Methicillin-resistant (MRSA). All 50 isolates of S. aureus were found resistant to Penicillin while all were found sensitive to Teicoplanin, Linezolid, and Levofloxacin. Only five (10%) were sensitive to Erythromycin while 49 (98%) were sensitive to both Amikacin and Gentamicin. However, none of the MRSA isolates were found sensitive to all tested antimicrobial agents. Conclusion This repertoire portrays the emergence of MRSA in laboratory workers which clearly indicates the necessity of complying with the sanitary and antibacterial guidelines and adhering to the rational use of antibiotics to prevent nosocomial infections.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage was found in 12% of laboratory staff. MRSA isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, highlighting the need for strict infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections globally.
- Laboratory workers face a high risk of MRSA carriage due to constant exposure to pathogens.
- Limited data exists on MRSA epidemiology among hospital laboratory personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA nasal carriage in laboratory technical staff.
- To analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from this population.
Main Methods:
- Nasal swabs collected from 50 laboratory technical staff.
- Isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus aureus.
- Methods included disc diffusion and Oxacillin screen agar, following CLSI guidelines.
Main Results:
- Six out of 50 (12%) isolates were identified as MRSA; 88% were Methicillin-sensitive (MSSA).
- All S. aureus isolates were resistant to Penicillin. High sensitivity was observed for Teicoplanin, Linezolid, and Levofloxacin.
- MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to all tested antimicrobial agents; limited sensitivity to Erythromycin, Amikacin, and Gentamicin.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals the presence of MRSA among laboratory workers, indicating a potential risk for nosocomial infections.
- Adherence to sanitary guidelines and rational antibiotic use is crucial for preventing MRSA transmission in healthcare settings.
