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Methicillin-Resistant and Biofilm-Producing Staphylococcus aureus in Nasal Carriage among Health Care Workers and
Bhuvan Saud1, Gita Khatri1, Neetu Amatya1
1Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Janamaitri Foundation Institute of Health Sciences, GPO Box 8322, Hattiban, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat. It has been portrayed as a slow tsunami. Multidrug resistance and extensive drug resistance exacerbate the already-existing AMR problem. The aim of the study was to access the colonization of methicillin-resistant and biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus among healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students (MSs). A cross-sectional study was designed. A total of 352 participants (176 were HCWs and 176 were MSs) were enrolled from different hospitals and medical colleges in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nasal cavity swab samples were collected and inoculated on Mannitol salt agar at standard in-vitro environmental conditions. Isolates were identified based on colony characteristics, staining properties, and biochemical tests. Identified isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm production. Out of 352 participants, 65.3% were S. aureus carriers; among the carriers, 52.2% were HCWs and 47.8% were MSs. Of the total isolates, 47.4% isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 73.9% isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Among MDR isolates, out of 109 MRSA isolates, 86.2% were MDR and out of 121 MSSA isolates, 62.8% were MDR where isolates were mainly resistant to erythromycin. In addition, 68.7% isolates were biofilm-forming; the results were similar in both MRSA and MSSA. Variables such as profession and educational level showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) with MRSA, MSSA, and biofilm producers. In conclusion, asymptomatic colonization of healthcare workers by drug-resistant S. aureus is increasing at alarming rates. This reflects the lack of proper hygiene practice as well as improper disinfection of workplace of study population.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern. This study found high rates of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among healthcare workers and medical students in Nepal, highlighting hygiene issues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, worsened by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.
- Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a key pathogen in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant and biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus colonization among healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students (MSs) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- To assess the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and biofilm-forming capacity of S. aureus isolates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 352 participants (176 HCWs, 176 MSs) from hospitals and medical colleges in Kathmandu.
- Nasal swabs were collected, and isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm production assays.
Main Results:
- Overall, 65.3% of participants were S. aureus carriers, with similar distribution between HCWs (52.2%) and MSs (47.8%).
- 47.4% of isolates were MRSA, and 73.9% were MDR. Notably, 86.2% of MRSA isolates and 62.8% of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates were MDR.
- 68.7% of isolates exhibited biofilm-forming capabilities, with no significant difference between MRSA and MSSA. Profession and educational level were statistically significant factors (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic colonization by drug-resistant S. aureus is alarmingly high among HCWs and MSs.
- Findings suggest potential issues with hygiene practices and workplace disinfection among the study population.
- This highlights the urgent need for enhanced infection control measures in healthcare and educational settings.
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