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The Impact of MRSA Colonization on Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Facility Residents: A
Manuel Callejón Fernández1,2, Rossana Abreu Rodríguez3, Ángeles Arias3
1Microbiology and Infection Control Service, University Hospital of the Canary Island (HUC), 38320 La Laguna, Spain.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been considered a risk factor for the development of infection, however, there are no studies that have compared the colonizing and infecting strains using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA colonization among long-term care facilities (LTCF) residents of Tenerife (Spain), and to analyze the epidemiological relationship between the colonizing and infecting strains using WGS. A point-prevalence study was carried out at 14 LTCFs in Tenerife from October 2020 to May 2021. Nasal swabs were cultured for MRSA. Colonized residents were followed up for two years. A phylogenetic comparison between colonization and infection strains was performed using WGS. A total of 764 residents were included. The prevalence of colonization by MRSA was 28.1% (n = 215), of which 12 (5.6%) subsequently developed infection. A close genetic relationship between colonization and infection isolates was found in three of the four (75%) residents studied. Our study confirms that colonized residents can develop serious MRSA infections from the same nasal colonization strain. Given the high prevalence of MRSA colonization in these centers, it is necessary to implement strategies with preventive measures to avoid the development of infection and the transmission of MRSA.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is common in long-term care facilities. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed that colonizing MRSA strains can cause subsequent infections in residents.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is a known risk factor for infection.
- Previous studies lacked whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to compare colonizing and infecting MRSA strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine MRSA colonization prevalence and risk factors in long-term care facility (LTCF) residents in Tenerife, Spain.
- Analyze the epidemiological relationship between colonizing and infecting MRSA strains using WGS.
Main Methods:
- Point-prevalence study conducted across 14 LTCFs from October 2020 to May 2021.
- Nasal swabs cultured for MRSA; colonized residents followed for two years.
- Phylogenetic analysis of MRSA colonization and infection isolates using WGS.
Main Results:
- MRSA colonization prevalence was 28.1% (215/764 residents).
- Of colonized residents, 5.6% (12/215) developed MRSA infections.
- WGS revealed a close genetic relationship between colonization and infection isolates in 75% (3/4) of studied cases.
Conclusions:
- Colonized residents can develop serious MRSA infections originating from their own nasal MRSA strain.
- High MRSA colonization prevalence necessitates implementing preventive strategies to reduce infection and transmission in LTCFs.
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